SHADOWS OF THE HEART

Emilia's POV

As we stumble upon the remains of the basement room, the smoke hangs to us like a second skin. Every breath is a battle, every stride a gamble in the stifling gloom. Enzo's palm grabs mine, his touch bringing me back into order. That is the only thing preventing the anxiety from engulfing me completely.

"You should have let me handle it," he continues, his voice a loud whisper mixed with rage and something else—fear. You may have been murdered back there.

"Would you stop calling me responsible for trying to save us?" I snap and liberate my hand. More from the weight of his words than from the physical toll, my chest is heaving. We would all be dead if I had not acted.

"And if you had just listened, we might have gotten out without putting a target on your back!," he says, his voice rising. He approaches, his tall body shadowing me even in the low light.