The rain hadn't stopped. It hammered against the broken windows of the warehouse, leaking through the roof in steady drops. The smell of blood and smoke still clung to the air. Aria stood in the middle of it all, her eyes locked on Lorenzo.
Her chest heaved. Her mind screamed.
"You knew," she whispered, voice trembling but sharp. "All this time… you knew he was alive."
Lorenzo lowered his gun slowly, like a man surrendering to the truth. His jaw clenched. His eyes darkened with guilt.
"I didn't have a choice," he said, the words rough and broken.
Her laugh was bitter. "There's always a choice. Don't insult me."
He took a step toward her. "Aria…"
She raised a hand, stopping him. Her fingers shook, but her voice didn't. "Don't. If you come closer, I'll put a bullet in you myself."
The room went quiet again, except for the rain.
