Palermo was quiet once more, but Elena knew better than to trust silence. Every calm after battle was temporary — a lull before the next storm. She moved through the villa’s corridors, alert, senses sharp, knowing the Council’s reach extended further than they had imagined.

Enzo appeared at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “I thought you’d be resting.”

Elena’s eyes met his, steady and fierce. “Rest comes after the war is truly over. And we’re far from that.”

He descended the steps slowly, his presence heavy and commanding. “You’re right. The ambush was only the beginning. I’ve been reviewing intelligence. There’s something more… something...