Chapter 18: The Fortress of Glass and Shadow
The city of Milan began to fade behind them, its neon lights bleeding into a blur of frantic energy as the SUV surged onto the highway heading north toward the lake district. Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was stifling. The scent of the white lily from the apartment seemed to have clung to Élise's clothes, a floral ghost that taunted Adriano with every breath he took.
He sat rigidly, his gaze fixed on the rain-slicked road ahead, though it was clear his mind was miles away, or perhaps years in the past. His hand remained wrapped firmly around Élise's not a romantic gesture, but a tether. It was as if he feared that if he let go for even a second, the shadows of the city would reach into the car and snatch her away.
"Adriano," Élise whispered, her voice trembling as she finally found the courage to break the heavy silence. "You're hurting my hand."
