The Ghost of the Past

Elena couldn't breathe.

Her world tilted as she stared at the figure standing at the top of the grand staircase.

This isn't real. It can't be.

Luca took a step forward, his body tensed for a fight. His sharp eyes flickered between Elena and the man in the shadows. "You know him."

Elena couldn't speak.

Because standing there, alive, breathing, smirking—

Was Dante.

The man she had loved. The man she had mourned.

The man she had killed.

"Cat got your tongue, mi amor?" Dante's voice was like velvet, smooth and taunting.

Luca turned to Elena, his gaze burning into her. "Start talking."

Her throat tightened.

How could she explain this? How could she tell Luca that the man he was looking at was supposed to be dead?

Her heart pounded as Dante descended the stairs, his steps slow, deliberate. "I have to say, I didn't expect to see you so soon." His lips curled into a smirk. "Or did you miss me that much?"

Luca's patience snapped. He reached for his gun, but Elena shot forward, grabbing his wrist.

"Don't." Her voice was sharp.

Luca's gaze flicked to her, disbelief flashing across his face. "Are you out of your damn mind?"

Dante chuckled. "Careful, Luca. She's always had a soft spot for me."

Elena's nails dug into Luca's wrist. Stop. Don't take the bait.

But Luca was already furious.

His jaw tightened as he slowly lowered the gun—but didn't put it away. "Explain. Now."

Elena's pulse raced. There was no running from this. No more hiding.

She turned to Dante. "You're supposed to be dead."

Dante's smirk deepened. "And yet, here I am." He leaned against the banister, tilting his head. "That's got to be killing you inside, huh?"

Elena's stomach twisted.

She had put a bullet in him. She had watched the blood pool beneath his body. She had walked away, believing it was over.

So how the hell was he standing in front of her now?

Luca's voice was dangerously low. "Who is he, Elena?"

She swallowed hard, forcing the words out.

"He's my past."

Dante grinned. "And your future."

Luca's expression darkened. "Like hell you are."

Dante stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Elena's. "You thought you could kill me and walk away?" His voice was softer now, but somehow more menacing. "Did you really believe it would be that easy?"

A chill ran down her spine.

Because deep down, she already knew—

The past wasn't just back.

It was here to destroy her.

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Next Chapter: A Deal with the Devil—Dante isn't just alive. He has a plan. And this time, Elena might not be able to escape.