The room smelled like smoke, gunpowder, and sweat. Aria's chest rose and fell fast, each breath sharp enough to sting. She could feel Lorenzo's heartbeat behind her, steady, strong, but it only made her own pulse feel louder.
Across the shattered marble floor, Isabelle moved with that same predator-like grace she always had. Her heels clicked against the broken wood. Her hair was still perfect. Her eyes, cold as steel.
"Impressive," Isabelle said softly, voice dripping with venom. "Looks like you've learned a few tricks since last night."
Aria raised her pistol, trying to keep her hands steady. "You're alive… I thought…" Her voice cracked. "…I thought I killed you."
Isabelle smirked, cruel and satisfied. "You didn't. But you tried. And that's what makes this fun."
Lorenzo moved, gun ready, but Aria put a hand on his chest. "Let me."
He looked at her, dark, unreadable, but didn't argue. He knew. She had crossed a line tonight, and nothing would stop her.
