The villa was quiet now, too quiet. Even after the ambush, after the city had been reminded of who ruled the shadows, a lingering unease hung in the air. Elena stood at the balcony, arms crossed, eyes scanning the horizon. The moonlight reflected off the rooftops, but the calm did little to ease the tension gnawing at her chest.

“Something’s wrong,” she murmured, almost to herself.

Enzo appeared behind her, the familiar weight of his presence grounding her, but his expression mirrored her unease. He didn’t speak immediately, just let the silence stretch between them, both listening for threats that weren’t yet visible.

“You sense it too,” she said finally,...