Lilith

The Return

As the van sped away from the prison, a heavy silence settled over us, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and the occasional flicker of passing streetlights. I glanced at Leo, his expression unreadable as he navigated the darkened streets with practiced ease.

"Lily are you okay?" Leo's voice broke through the silence, filled with concern.

I nodded, forcing a small smile despite the lingering ache in my body. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just glad to be out of there."

Leo's eyes softened, his hand reaching out to gently squeeze mine in reassurance. "We'll get you patched up once we're back," he promised, his voice steady and reassuring.

As we drove through the night, my mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. The Russians were planning something, and now that I knew their plans, it was only a matter of time before we had to confront them head-on. But amidst the uncertainty and danger, one thing remained constant-my determination to protect my family and seek justice for those who had wronged us.

Hours passed in a blur until finally, the van came to a stop outside a nondescript warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Marco and Vincenzo emerged from the shadows, their expressions a mix of relief and concern as they rushed to greet us.

"Lily!" Marco's voice was filled with emotion as he pulled me into a tight embrace, his relief palpable.

"I'm okay, marco" I assured him, returning his embrace with equal fervor.

Marco's eyes scanned me for any signs of injury, his brow furrowed with worry. "We need to get you checked out," he insisted, his voice firm.

I nodded, grateful for their concern and support. Together, we made our way inside the warehouse, where our makeshift headquarters awaited. As I settled into a chair, surrounded by the comforting presence of my brothers, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination coursing through me.

They tried to take the glasses the were inbeded on my foot out but i figured it would be better for an actual doctor to me then my brother's. So we get back to Italy.

Leo hasn't let me go since we got out of the plane.

As I sat on the examination table, the doctor's voice fading into the background, my gaze locked with Leo's. His arms were wrapped securely around me, a protective shield against the world outside. When the doctor asked if Leo could put me down for the examination, his response took me by surprise.

"You're going to have to check her in my arms. I'm not letting go of her unless that's what she wants," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Truth be told, I didn't want him to let go either. His presence felt like an anchor in the storm, a source of comfort and safety in the midst of chaos. And despite the disapproving glances from my brothers, I clung to him, unwilling to let go of the sense of security he provided.

As the doctor proceeded with the examination, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Leo. His unwavering support reminded me that I wasn't alone, that even in the darkest of times, there were people who cared about me and would do anything to keep me safe.

as the doctor got done with her examination she started listing off the injuries, which surprisingly it wasn't that much i mean i had a few broken ribs which was nothing new then the glasses on my feet, a broken arm, again nothing out of the ordinary, I'm telling you the Russian tourture method weak.

My brothers on the other hand saw red when the doctor listed out my injuries, and Leo tightened his grip 0n me and since the adrenaline was leaving my body that shit hurt.

After having my injuries patched up at the hospital, I finally headed home, the moment I walked through the door, Aurora engulfed me in one of her rib-crushing hugs, which, I admit, I didn't mind in the least. It's nice to be fussed over, even if just for a little while.

"God, lily, are you ok? Please don't you ever do that to me again," Aurora whispered, her voice thick with relief and something akin to scolding.

"Yeah im good and sure I'll add 'no near-death experiences' to my weekly planner," I quipped, patting her back gently.

The car ride home had been an exhaustive list of dos and don'ts from my brothers, mostly don'ts. As soon as I was settled on the couch, with a cup of tea I neither asked for nor wanted, the lecture continued.

"Seriously, Lil," began Sal, the unofficial head of the 'Lilith Protection Squad,' "you're not to lift a finger till you're fully recovered. Doctor's orders, and ours."

"Right, because my fingers were craving to bench press the fridge," I shot back, rolling my eyes.

"And no training," added Vincenzo, wagging a finger at me like I was five instead of 19 . "Doctor said you need to rest, heal. No exceptions."

I told them i wanted to start training so i could protect myself when i get better, and what they got from that was that i wanted to start training right this instant.

"No training, no lifting, no fun. Got it," I said, mock-saluting them. "Anything else? Am I allowed to breathe, or is that too strenuous?"

Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. "Just take it easy, okay? We just want you back on your feet"

I sighed, leaning back. "Yeah, I get it. You guys just love playing knights in shining armor."

"Don't worry, Lil," marco grinned, "we've got your back. And your front. And basically all sides."

"Perfect, a living, breathing fortress," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm but my heart swelling a bit with love for these clowns. Despite my protests, I knew I'd follow their rules. Mostly because I had already planned a stealthy way to start training as soon as humanly possible. They didn't need to know that part yet.