Chapter : The Blood That Burns

I woke to the sound of rain.

It pattered softly against the glass, a rhythmic lullaby that felt too calm—too wrong. My head throbbed, my vision blurry as I blinked against the warm light of a room that wasn’t familiar.

The scent of antiseptic lingered faintly in the air.

I wasn’t in the palazzo.

I wasn’t even sure I was in Venice anymore.

“Adeline,” a voice called gently. A woman’s.

I turned sharply, pain jolting down my spine.

“Easy.” Elira stepped into view, her sharp eyes tired but steady. “You’re safe. For now.”

I sat up too quickly. “Where’s Rose?”

“She’s here,” she said...