A Fire That Won't Die

A Sleepless Vigil

Emma lay in bed, eyes open, mind racing.

The weight of the night pressed against her chest.

She wasn't alone—Alexander was near.

But his presence didn't comfort her.

Not when she knew what he was capable of.

Not when she knew he would kill for her.

She turned onto her side, glancing at him.

He sat in the armchair across the room, watching her.

His face was unreadable.

But his eyes—

His eyes were burning.

—

A Silent War

"Can't sleep?"

His voice was low, rough.

Emma sighed.

"Can't stop thinking."

Alexander leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees.

"What are you thinking about?"

She hesitated.

Then—

"You."

—

A Dangerous Truth

His expression didn't change.

But the air between them?

It shifted.

"Me?" he repeated.

Emma sat up.

"You're scaring me, Alexander."

His jaw clenched.

"You should be scared of Moretti."

"I am," she admitted.

"But I'm also scared of what you'll do."

—

A Line He Won't Cross

Alexander stood.

Walked to the edge of the bed.

Looked down at her, his eyes dark and stormy.

"I would never hurt you, Emma."

She swallowed.

"I know."

His fingers brushed against her cheek.

"But I will hurt anyone who tries to take you from me."

Emma shivered.

Because she knew—

He meant it.

—

A Ticking Clock

Alexander pulled away first.

"Get some rest," he murmured.

Emma didn't argue.

She lay back down.

But she didn't sleep.

Because she knew—

Time was running out.

And soon, they would have to make a move.

—

A Morning of Decisions

The next day, Emma woke up to voices.

Low. Sharp.

She sat up, rubbing her eyes.

Alexander was standing by the window, speaking on the phone.

His expression was stone.

"We strike first," he said.

Emma's blood ran cold.

—

A Plan in Motion

She climbed out of bed, approaching him.

Alexander ended the call.

She crossed her arms.

"What was that about?"

His gaze met hers.

"Moretti."

Emma inhaled sharply.

"You're going after him?"

Alexander didn't blink.

"Yes."

—

A Plea for Reason

Emma's heart pounded.

"You can't—"

"This isn't a debate, Emma."

Her chest tightened.

"You're going to start a war."

Alexander exhaled.

"The war already started."

—

A Moment of Defiance

Emma shook her head.

"I won't be the reason people die."

Alexander stepped closer.

"You think Moretti will stop? You think if we just wait, he'll walk away?"

Emma swallowed hard.

She knew the answer.

But still—

"There has to be another way."

Alexander's lips pressed into a thin line.

"There isn't."

—

A Promise He Can't Break

He cupped her face.

His hands were warm.

Strong.

But his touch?

Gentle.

"You're mine, Emma."

Her breath caught.

"And I protect what's mine."

Emma closed her eyes.

Because she knew—

She would never win this fight.

And Alexander would never stop.

Not until Moretti was gone.

Not until there was no one left to threaten her.

And maybe—

Just maybe—

That was what scared her most of all.