The following morning brought a stillness that felt almost unreal. The Romano estate was quiet, the kind of quiet that follows after fear has finally loosened its grip. The staff moved softly through the halls, careful not to disturb the peace that had settled.
Alessia woke to the faint sound of birds outside her window. For a moment, she didn't move — her mind still caught between the memory of the warehouse and the safety of home. Then she sat up slowly, her eyes adjusting to the soft light spilling across the room.
Her body ached, but she was alive. That was enough.
She reached for the glass of water on her bedside table, her fingers trembling slightly. The memories came in flashes — Isabella's voice, the cold air, the fear. But then she remembered Damian's face when he found her, the steadiness in his eyes that had pulled her back from panic.
A knock came at the door.
"Come in," she said softly.
Damian stepped inside, dressed in black, his expression calm but watchful. "You're awake."
Alessia nodded. "I am."
He moved closer, stopping beside the bed. "How do you feel?"
"Tired," she admitted. "But better."
He studied her for a moment, then sat on the edge of the chair near her bed. "You should rest a little longer. You've been through enough."
A faint smile touched her lips. "You sound like my father."
Damian's tone softened. "He just wants you safe. So do I."
There was a pause — quiet, but not uncomfortable.
Alessia looked at him, her voice low. "It's over now, isn't it?"
Damian hesitated before answering. "Yes. It's over."
She searched his face, sensing the weight behind his words. "You don't sound sure."
He exhaled slowly. "I'm sure she won't come near you again. Her father made certain of that."
Alessia looked down at her hands. "She was so angry. I don't think she even knew what she wanted anymore."
"She wanted to hurt you," Damian said quietly. "But she won't get another chance."
Alessia nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Good."
That evening, the estate was bathed in the soft glow of sunset. Alessia sat on the terrace, wrapped in a shawl, watching the sky fade from gold to violet. Damian joined her, standing beside her chair.
She looked up at him, her voice gentle. "You didn't have to stay."
"I wanted to," he said simply.
The silence between them was peaceful this time — no fear, no tension, just the quiet rhythm of the evening settling around them.
Alessia turned her gaze back to the horizon. "It feels strange," she murmured. "After everything…...to just sit here and breathe."
Damian looked at her, his voice low. "That's what peace feels like."
She smiled faintly. "Then I hope it lasts."
He didn't answer, but the way his hand brushed lightly against hers said enough.
The sun dipped below the skyline, and for the first time in a long while, the world felt still.