Confusion clouded my senses as I struggled to discern whether I had struck my head or if the explosion had left me dazed. The cacophony of gunfire outside the walls pierced through the haze, echoing into the room. Smoke billowed around me, choking my lungs as I reflexively tried to rise to my feet.

"Sadie! Keep low!" Silvio's voice cut through the smoke, its roughness indicating the strain. "Stay down, Cara Mia," he urged, concern evident in his tone. “Do you hear me?”

"Yes!" I shouted in exhilaration, relief flooding me at the realization that he was alive—and able to talk. Staying close to the floor, I cautiously glanced from...