CHAPTER 224
KATYA POV
The drive had been quiet, the city streets giving way to winding roads lined with dense trees. Shadows stretched across the windshield, twisting and darkening as the sun dipped below the horizon.
I glanced out at the woods on either side, feeling the chill of the evening settle into my chest.
If I ever tried to run, I thought grimly, I wouldn't make it to civilization without something already finding me.
The isolation was suffocating, but safe. At least, safe for now. After almost an hour, the car slowed, rolling toward iron gates that rose for us to enter.
The sleek car came to a stop and I helped Nonna down first, "Careful, Nonna," I said, stepping forward to steady her wheelchair.
She gave me a faint smile, her eyes reflecting both fatigue and gratitude. "Thank you, Katya. Always so helpful."
The mansion loomed ahead, dark against the deepening sky, its windows glinting with the last traces of sunlight.
