The Edge of Darkness

Luca had never known true fear until now.

Elena lay motionless in his arms, her blood soaking through his fingers. Her breaths were shallow, her lips parted, her skin too cold.

"No. No, no, no," he whispered, shaking her gently. "Baby, stay with me. Please."

Dante knelt beside them, pressing two fingers to her pulse. "She's still alive," he said, but his voice was tight. "Barely."

Luca's chest heaved. He had to get her help. Now.

But behind him, Valerio groaned, shifting against the floor.

Luca's grip tightened around his knife. He could end it here. Kill him now.

Dante saw the look in his eyes. "Luca," he warned. "We don't have time."

But Luca's vision blurred with rage. Valerio had done this. Hurt her. Almost killed her.

He deserved to die.

He raised the knife—

"Elena needs you."

Dante's voice cut through the haze.

Luca's hand trembled.

Then, with a growl of frustration, he dropped the knife and lifted Elena into his arms.

Valerio chuckled weakly from the floor. "Coward," he spat.

Luca didn't stop. Didn't look back.

Because killing Valerio could wait.

Saving Elena couldn't.

---

The Race Against Time

The car sped through the empty streets, tires screeching as Dante drove like a madman.

Luca sat in the backseat, holding Elena close, his hand pressing against her wound. "You're gonna be okay, baby," he whispered, his voice raw. "Just hold on."

Her lashes fluttered. "Luca…" Her voice was barely there.

"I'm here," he murmured, pressing his forehead to hers. "I'm not letting you go."

Her fingers curled weakly against his chest. Then—nothing.

The hospital came into view.

Luca had never prayed before. But in that moment—

He prayed like hell.

---

Next Chapter: Between Life and Death—As Elena fights for her life, Luca is forced to confront a truth he's spent years denying. If she doesn't wake up, nothing else will matter.