The docks smelled strongly of saltwater and decay as I descended the ladder into the confusing layout of shipping containers. The first light of dawn had barely touched the sky, but the city was already alive with noise. Each distant car horn and the grinding of metal reminded me of the distance between me and the Serafino estate—and how vulnerable I was.
Gio was waiting for me at the bottom, his flashlight casting a focused beam through the mist. "The safe house is this way," he whispered, glancing nervously around.
I tucked the locket under my shirt, its weight familiar and comforting. "How long before they realize I'm gone?"
He shook his head. "They'll assume you ran straight to Mateo. No one will think to look here."
I followed him through the rows of containers. My bruised ribs ached, and the cut on my forearm still stung when I moved it. I kept my hand pressed against it, tasting blood. Every beat in my wrist echoed in my chest—Serafino magic mixed with blood and threat.
We ducked into an open container wedged between two cranes. Inside, a single lantern hung from the ceiling, creating long shadows. Valentina's makeshift clinic: a folding bed, a worn table, a first-aid kit. Lena was curled up under a thin blanket, her eyes widening when she saw me.
"Ivy!" She sat up and threw off the blanket. I knelt beside her, brushing her damp hair away from her face.
"You look terrible," she said, her voice shaky.
I touched her cheek gently. "I'm okay. I'm back." I pulled her into a hug. Her body trembled against mine.
Gio closed the door behind us. "We have until noon before the patrols search this area."
I released Lena and stood, stretching muscles stiff from running. "I need to see if this bond works outside the estate."
Lena frowned. "How will you test it?"
I raised my hand to the pendant at my throat. "Distance." I looked at Gio. "Mateo and I need to know how far apart we can be and still sense each other. I was on the breakwater last night—he felt me. I want to push the limit."
Gio rubbed his hands together. "I'll go with you, but be careful. If you push it too far…"
"I'll be fine." I fastened my water skin to my belt. "Let's go."
---
The fog got thicker as we walked towards the northern pier. The warehouse lights were off, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of water. I walked to the edge and stared into the grayness.
I closed my eyes. Breathe in… out…
I curled my fingers around my pendant. At first, nothing. Then a pulse—a faint drumbeat. Weak, but there.
"Do you feel that?" I whispered.
Gio leaned closer. "Like a heartbeat." He looked around, cautious.
I focused on the rhythm. Faster now—steady, controlled. Mateo's pulse.
I pressed both hands to my chest. "He's close."
Gio glanced at the cranes. "Could be on one of those ships."
I pictured him on deck—his coat collar pulled up against the cold sea air. My chest tightened. "He's… watching."
A second pulse—tension. Like he was bracing himself, expecting an attack. Then relief, as if he saw I was safe.
I opened my eyes. "He's… not coming for me."
Gio frowned. "Then why the relief?"
I shook my head. "I'm not sure." My heart felt empty. "He's torn."
A horn sounded in the distance. The foghorn of a cargo ship signaling departure. My chest squeezed. "He's on that ship."
Gio's eyes widened. "You want me to…"
"No." I shook my head. "He's testing me." My gaze returned to the water. The pulse faded, flickered, then disappeared.
I swallowed. "That's it. I can't hold it any longer."
Gio stepped forward. "Let's get you back."
I brushed damp hair from my face. "No." My voice was firm. "I need to know he can't track me forever."
He met my eyes. "You risk collapsing."
I squared my shoulders. "Then I'll recover quickly." I turned my back to the water and lifted my chin. "Let's go back."
---
Back in the container, Lena was sitting on the cot, wrapped in the blanket. Marco was standing by the table, holding a syringe. Valentina hovered in the corner, her arms crossed.
"Everything okay?" Valentina asked.
I dropped my bag. "I'm fine." I pulled back my shirt sleeve. The bond's warmth still pulsed beneath the cut. "I felt him. On a ship."
Valentina's jaw tightened. "He'd have to cross enemy territory."
I met her gaze. "He did it. He's risking a war zone for me."
Lena's eyes filled with tears. "He cares."
I pressed my fingers to my wrist. Marco stepped closer. "Let me clean that."
I pushed his hand away. "No. I need to… rest." I sank onto the edge of the cot. The room spun, streaks of lantern light blurring along the walls.
Gio caught my arm. "Easy."
I leaned back, letting the metal cot support me. Every breath hurt my lungs. The bond's echo felt like a distant memory—fading fast. Panic rose in my chest.
Valentina came over to me. She knelt and took my other hand. "Mateo's blood can heal more than just bonds." Her voice was soft, almost gentle. "He sent this."
She pressed a small vial into my palm—a crimson liquid swirling inside. "He made it." Her eyes flicked upward, showing both hope and doubt. "Drink."
I stared at the vial. My sister's life, our futures, all tied to this dark magic. I could taste the salt of our shared blood. I raised it to my lips and drank.
Fire burned down my throat. My vision blurred. Lena cried out. Gio gripped my shoulder.
I closed my eyes and let the warmth spread—from my throat to my wrist, through the pendant's link, weaving two lives together. I felt Mateo's presence—steady, strong. The world came back into focus.
I opened my eyes. The container was quiet. The foghorn sounded again outside.
I met Valentina's gaze. "Thank him."
She nodded, tears sparkling. "I will."
Lena crawled onto the cot beside me. "You scared me."
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I'm here." My voice was hoarse. "And he's here too."
Gio exhaled. "That's… good."
I pressed my cheek to Lena's hair. "We'll stand a chance now." I closed my eyes, listening to the double rhythm—hers, mine, his. One heartbeat stretching across distance and danger.
Outside, the freighter's horn faded. Inside, hope sharpened like a weapon.
We were connected—by blood, by magic, by the hope of rescue. And together, we'd change our destiny.