Page 84 of Blood Heir

I sit across from Brother Stefano, my chest still tightening with the storm brewing inside me. But my voice is calm—sharp, steady. “I need a safe house. A car. Men I can trust.”

Brother Stefano nods without hesitation, as though he anticipated this moment long before I ever stepped foot into his office. “You shall have all of it, child. Give me an hour. Stay within the chapel while I make arrangements.” He rises, already pulling out his phone, his expression hardening as he steps aside to place his first call.

I leave him to his work and head back to the car where Emilia waits. She looks up when she sees me approach, her face a mixture of dread, hope, and something else I can’t quite name.

“Well?” she asks.

“It’s done,” I say simply. “You're free to go.”

She blinks, processing my words. And then, as though remembering her role to play, her face softens. “But you haven’t eaten yet.”

“I’m fine,” I reply coolly. “Brother Stefano will have something sent.”

“Please.” She clasps her hands together, her voice fragile. “Please. Let me do this for you. As an apology…for everything.”

I stare at her, my stomach giving an unfortunate, well-timed growl. The treacherous thing betrays me.

Her eyes flicker to my stomach and then back to my face. “Just a small breakfast. I promise.”

I exhale, narrowing my eyes. My better judgment screams at me, but the exhaustion dulls my edge. “Fine.”

She beams, relief washing over her features. “The car’s already out front. It won't take long.”

I slide into the passenger seat, pulling my cap down again as Emilia joins me on the driver’s side. The engine hums to life, and for a brief moment, I allow myself to relax—until a sharp movement from behind jerks my entire body back against the seat.

A strong arm snakes around my neck, pinning me. My hands shoot up instinctively, grabbing at the arm, nails digging in. But it’s too late.

I feel the sting of a needle piercing my skin just beneath my ear.

The cold liquid burns as it enters my bloodstream.

I thrash weakly, my vision already dimming at the edges. My limbs grow heavy, my muscles slack. My ears ring violently.

Through the haze, I see Emilia. She’s standing outside the car now, her hands covering her mouth, tears spilling freely down her cheeks.

“Emilia…” I manage to whisper, my voice cracking as my head lolls forward.

She breaks down, sobbing uncontrollably. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Fee!”

Her figure blurs into darkness as my world tilts sideways. The last thing I hear before everything fades is the sound of her broken cries.

Chapter 19 - Severin

I slam open the heavy oak doors of my aunt's study, my chest heaving. The guards stationed outside barely react—Vittoria likely told them to let me through. Cassian is two steps behind me, tense, hand already hovering over his jacket where his gun rests.

Vittoria sits behind her grand desk like a queen on her throne, her fingers laced together, her sharp eyes watching me like a hawk circling prey. Her lips curl into a smile. It makes my blood boil.

“Where is she?” My voice comes out rough, dangerous.

She raises a perfectly arched brow. “You’re late, Serevin.”

“I won’t ask again.” My fists clench at my sides. My whole body is trembling, fury crawling beneath my skin.

Vittoria sighs dramatically, as if I’m a child throwing a tantrum. “Relax, caro. The girl is quite safe. I've simply proceeded with the next phase of our plan since you decided to grow sentimental.”

I step forward, my voice low and venomous. “I am out. Whatever plan you think you're continuing is dead. I want my wife back.”

Her face hardens. She rises from her chair slowly, deliberately. She circles the desk like a snake stalking its prey.

---