Chapter 23: Shattered Illusions

*Layla*

As Dante helped me out of that hellish apartment, Sophia huddled protectively in his other arm, I felt a rush of relief and gratitude. He had come for us, just as I knew he would. In that moment, all I wanted was to be safe in his embrace, to put the terror of the past few hours behind me.

We rode back to the penthouse in silence, Sophia clinging to Dante the entire time. I watched them, my heart aching at the sight of her trauma that reflected my own. 

When we arrived, Dante gently set Sophia down on the couch, smoothing her hair back from her forehead. "It's okay, sweetheart," he murmured. "You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."

Sophia nodded, her eyes heavy with exhaustion and fear. Dante turned to me, his expression softening. "Layla, I..." he started, but I cut him off, throwing myself into his arms.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice muffled against his chest. "Thank you for saving us."