Luca picked the call, his brows furrowing as static crackled through the poor Virenkai network.
A few broken syllables of his mother's voice slipped through, haunting and unclear, before the line went dead, leaving behind only silence heavy enough to choke the room.
His jaw clenched, eyes darkening, Damn this place.
"Let's go in," he said, his voice low but steady. He tightened his grip on Alessia's trembling hand.
Her eyes reflected fear, wide and luminous like a doe caught in a hunter's snare.
"Why would your mother call now?" Alessia whispered, unease threading her tone.
Luca leaned closer, pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of her head, the warmth of his lips brushing against her skin like a fleeting vow.
