Page 25 of Cage the Storm
The woman is terrified, wide-eyed, and breathless. She clutches the edge of the doorway, frozen between the urge to run and the fear of collapsing. The moment she realizes the room isn’t empty, hesitation grips her tighter.
Mateo’s posture stiffens, waiting for my order.
“How the hell did she get out?” My voice is calm, my intent anything but.
Massimo is nowhere to be seen, meaning someone let this happen.
The woman trembles, her breath erratic. She looks at me, at Mateo, but doesn’t move closer. Doesn’t speak. Then her eyes settle on Luna.
I recognize a spark of relief.
“Help me,” she whispers. “Please.”
My jaw tightens as I glance at Luna. But she immediately steps forward.
“You’re safe,” Luna says. “No one is going to hurt you.” She dips her chin, slow and uncertain. But when Luna steps closer, the woman collapses into her, clinging like she’s the only solid ground left in a world crumbling beneath her feet. Luna stays still, her hand hovering just enough to let the woman feel like she’s not alone.
Luna is waiting and confused about why this woman just ran in here, and Mateo and I haven’t budged. Now I have a choice to make. Do I tell her the truth, or do I tell her a blatant lie to cover up my tracks?
I decide the truth is the only way forward. “She came from the cellar,” I say finally. “That’s where the others are.”
Luna tenses but doesn’t react beyond that, no accusations, just a quiet understanding.
The woman buries her face against Luna’s shoulder, trembling, but less frantic.
“Why are there others in the cellar, Nicolai?” Luna asks, choosing her words carefully.
“Because they’re safe down there,” I answer simply. “That’s where the women will stay until I say otherwise.”
And now Luna knows her suspicions were correct.
Luna doesn’t argue. Instead, she tightens her hold on the woman, pressing her hand gently against her back to offer reassurance.
I watch her closely.
Whatever happens next, whatever she choosesto do will change everything.
“I’ll take care of it,” Luna says quietly, but I recognize an edge in her voice. Not defiance. Just a sense of responsibility.
I watch Luna leaving the room, while the woman clings to her, like she’s her saving grace.
“She has no idea what she’s walking into,” I snap. “And now she thinks she can manage it? Thinks she can step into this life without consequences?”
Mateo is calm but doesn’t respond; he lets me vent without interrupting.
“This isn’t her fight,” I continue, pacing slightly. “She’s involving herself in things she doesn’t understand.”
“She’s playing her role,” Mateo says, his tone careful. “And whether she meant to or not, she handled it. The woman trusted her. That’s not something you can dismiss.”
“She did because she doesn’t know any better,” I snap, turning to face him fully. “Because she doesn’t see what it takes: support, yes, but also the kind of care that holds steady through breakdowns, flashbacks, and the slow, brutal work of healing.”
Mateo doesn’t so much as balk at my frustration. “You brought them here,” he says. “You wanted to right the wrong that your brother started many years ago. If you hadn’t, theywouldn’t have survived. You’re a good man, Nico, and when they’re ready, you’ll give them a job or set them free.”
He’s right. I brought them here because I had to, because I couldn’t stomach the alternative. My brother’s past decisions are now mine to carry. I wanted a second chance. I just didn’t think Luna would be the one to pay the price for everyone’s sins.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
LUNA
