Born of the Storm

Chapter 4

I woke up to a dull, throbbing pain in my side. The room around was dimly lit, I recognized where I was, Alessandro's estate. I tried to move, but a sharp pang shot through my stomach. My head ached, and the memories of that chaotic night flooded back in a dizzying rush. The gunshots, the ruthless assailant—all of it was a blur of violence.

   "Teresa, You're awake," Luca's voice broke through my haze. He was by my side in an instant, his eyes filled with relief and concern. "Sei stato incosciente per un giorno. Take it easy." (You've been unconscious for a day)

   I winced as I tried to sit up, and Luca quickly supported me, adjusting the pillows behind my back. "What happened?" I asked, my voice steady but cold.

   "Sei stato ferito durante l'attacco." (You were injured during the attack) he explained gently. "I managed to get you out, but you lost a lot of blood. Il medico dice che hai bisogno di tempo per riposare" (The doctor says you need time to rest)

   The door opened, and Alessandro entered the room. I was glad he was safe. His presence was commanding yet there was softness in his eyes as he approached my bedside.

          "Teresa, grazie a Dio sei sveglia." (Teresa, Thank God you're awake) he said, taking a seat beside me. "Ci siamo preoccupati malatamante" (We've been worried sick)

   "How is Lucia?" I asked. 

   "She is well, non c'è bisogno di preoocuparsi." (No need to worry) He replied with assurance.

   "I need to know what had happened afterwards. Did we find out who was behind it?" I murmured, my hand instinctively going to the bandage on my side.

   Alessandro's expression darkened. "We've been trying to piece it together. The attackers were highly organized. We suspect they work for someone with significant resources and a deep grudge."

   Luca nodded, his jaw clenched. "We've gathered some clues, but nothing definitive yet. We did managed to capture one of the assailants. He's been interrogated as we speak."

   I took a deep breath, trying to push past the pain. "What have we learned so far?"

   "Non molto" (Not much) Alessandro admitted. "The captured man isn't talking. Whoever they work for was thorough in covering their tracks. But we're not giving up. We've doubled our security and are working around the clock to find out who is responsible."

   "I encountered one of them during the attack," I recalled, my voice devoid of emotion. Welcome back, This is just the beginning. I remember his words, it played constant in my mind.

   Alessandro exchanged a glance with Luca before turning back to me. "We have a few leads we are pursuing. There are whispers of a rival family looking to take advantage of the chaos. We're also investigating any possible traitors within our own ranks." Alessandro stated.

   "Non possiamo fidarci di nessuno in questo momento." (We can't trust anyone right now) Luca added. "We have to be cautious and thorough."

   I nodded, my resolve as icy as my demeanor. "I want to be involved. Non posso sedermi qui ora e non fare nulla." (I can't sit here now and do nothing) My eyes searching for Alessandro's answer. He was hesitant.

   "Devi prima recuperare." (You have to recover first) Alessandro insisted. "Your health is the priority right now. Rest assured we will keep you informed of any possible leads."