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The first time they met, it felt like fate. The second time, it felt like a warning.

She was running from a past that refused to die. He was chasing a future that seemed just out of reach. When their worlds collided, it was more than just love—it was an obsession, a wildfire that threatened to burn them both alive.

But love isn’t always salvation. Sometimes, it’s destruction in disguise.

Bound by Fire: Ashes of Desire

The inferno raged around them, swallowing the walls, the floors—everything. But Luca didn't feel the heat. Didn't hear the cracking of burning wood or the distant sirens outside.

The man who had haunted Elena's past. The man who had hurt her, hunted her. The man who had just shot her.

Luca's gun was steady, his finger on the trigger. But Adrian didn't flinch. He smirked, stepping closer, the firelight casting shadows over his sharp features.

"You really think you're the first man to try and kill me?" Adrian taunted.

The bullet struck Adrian's shoulder, sending him staggering back with a curse. But he didn't go down. With a growl, he lunged, pulling a knife from his belt.

Luca barely had time to react before Adrian swung. The blade slashed across his ribcage—hot, sharp pain ripping through him.

Luca gritted his teeth and countered, slamming his fist into Adrian's jaw. The impact sent Adrian crashing into a burning table, but he was back on his feet in seconds, eyes wild.

"This isn't your fight," Adrian spat, blood dripping from his mouth.

Luca wiped his own blood from his chin. "It is now."

Adrian lunged again. This time, Luca was ready.

He dodged the blade and grabbed Adrian's wrist, twisting it with brutal force. The knife clattered to the ground.

Then, with a single, powerful movement, Luca drove Adrian backward—straight into a broken wooden beam.

The jagged wood speared through Adrian's back.

For the first time, Luca saw something he'd never seen in Adrian Vega's eyes.

Luca stepped closer, pressing a hand to the wound, making Adrian choke on his own blood.

"This," Luca whispered, "is for her."

Adrian gasped, trying to fight, but the life was already draining from his eyes. The flames climbed higher, consuming everything—including him.

Luca turned away just as the ceiling groaned above.

Stumbling through the smoke, he forced himself forward. Every muscle screamed in protest, blood dripping from his side, but he didn't stop.

The moment he burst through the burning doors, fresh air slammed into his lungs.

He barely registered her running toward him before she crashed into his arms.

He gripped her tightly, feeling her warmth, her heartbeat, the proof that she was still alive.

Dante was at his side, pressing a hand to his wound. "You look like hell."

Luca smirked weakly. "So does Adrian."

Dante glanced at the burning estate. "Guess he won't be bothering us anymore."

Luca didn't look back. Didn't need to.

Next Chapter: After the Ashes—Luca and Elena finally have their chance at peace… but is the past truly behind them?

The Devil’s Fall