Bloodbound Hearts

Chapter 32: The Calm Before the Storm

The morning came quietly, as if the storm had never happened. The rain had washed the world clean, leaving the forest still and silent. A mist clung to the ground, softening the edges of the trees and making the air feel heavy with an eerie calm. Kacey sat outside the small cabin, leaning against the rough wooden wall as she watched the fog drift through the trees.

Inside, Ivan was gathering what few supplies they had, his movements deliberate and controlled. It was clear that he was preparing for something, and Kacey felt the weight of what was coming settle over her like a heavy cloak. There was no denying that they were heading toward a final confrontation with Dimitri. It was inevitable now, and Kacey knew it.

She hadn't slept much after their conversation last night. Too many thoughts had been swirling in her mind—memories of her past, flashes of the person she used to be, and the dark shadow of Dimitri's obsession looming over it all. No matter how much Ivan assured her that they would stop him, a part of her couldn't shake the fear that Dimitri's reach was far greater than either of them could anticipate.

But it wasn't just fear that kept her awake.

It was the thought of Adrian.

The thought of her son growing up without her, trapped in the dangerous world she had tried so hard to leave behind. She couldn't let that happen. She couldn't allow Dimitri to drag her back into that darkness—and worse, she couldn't let Adrian become a casualty in their twisted game.

Kacey's hand instinctively moved to the small locket she had found in her belongings after the escape from the Romano estate. It had been hidden in the pocket of a jacket she didn't remember owning, and though it looked old and worn, something about it felt familiar. She hadn't opened it yet, unsure if she was ready for whatever memory might be locked inside.

But now, with the mist curling around her and the weight of what was coming bearing down on her, she slowly unfastened the latch.

Inside was a tiny photo, no larger than a postage stamp. The image was faded, but Kacey could make out two faces—hers and Dimitri's. They were younger, smiling at the camera with the kind of carefree joy that only children knew. Kacey's heart clenched at the sight of them, at the stark contrast between the innocent girl she had once been and the woman she had become.

Dimitri hadn't always been like this. There had been a time when he was her best friend, when they had laughed and played together without a care in the world. But that boy was long gone, consumed by the man he had become—a man twisted by power, greed, and an obsession that now threatened to destroy everything.

Kacey snapped the locket shut, her jaw tightening with resolve. The time for reflection was over. She had to focus on what was ahead.

Ivan stepped out of the cabin, his expression serious as he surveyed the woods around them. His presence was a comfort to Kacey, even though she knew that he, too, was preparing for the battle ahead.

"We should move soon," he said, his voice low and calm. "The longer we stay here, the more time Dimitri has to track us."

Kacey nodded, standing up and brushing the dirt from her pants. "Do you have a plan?"

Ivan's eyes met hers, and for a moment, she saw the weight of leadership in his gaze—the burden of responsibility that came with being the head of the Romano family. "We'll head back to the estate. We need to gather our people and prepare for whatever Dimitri throws our way. He won't expect us to come to him."

Kacey swallowed hard. Going back to the Romano estate felt like stepping back into the lion's den. They had barely escaped last night, and the thought of returning felt like walking into a trap.

"But won't Dimitri be waiting for us there?" she asked.

Ivan's mouth pressed into a thin line. "He'll be expecting us to run, to stay hidden. If we return to the estate, we have the advantage. It's fortified, and our men know the terrain. Dimitri won't be able to take it easily."

Kacey wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe that they had a chance of outmaneuvering Dimitri, of finally putting an end to the danger that had been stalking them. But a part of her knew that Dimitri wouldn't stop—not until he had her.

"Are you sure we're ready for this?" Kacey asked, her voice soft but steady.

Ivan's gaze softened as he stepped closer to her, his hand brushing her arm in a rare moment of tenderness. "I don't know if anyone's ever ready for something like this. But we don't have a choice. We have to fight."

Kacey looked up at him, feeling the strength in his words. He was right. There was no turning back now. The only way out was through.

With a deep breath, Kacey nodded. "Then let's go."

They set off through the woods, the mist clinging to them as they moved. The path was uneven, slick with mud from the storm, but they pressed on, determined to make it back to the estate before Dimitri's men could find them.

As they walked, Kacey's mind wandered back to Adrian. She had left him in the care of one of Ivan's trusted guards, but the thought of him alone in the estate, unaware of the danger that surrounded them, gnawed at her. She needed to see him, to hold him, to protect him from everything that was closing in around them.

"He's going to be okay," Ivan said, as if reading her thoughts.

Kacey glanced at him, her brow furrowed. "How do you know?"

"I don't," Ivan admitted. "But we'll do everything we can to make sure he is."

Kacey's heart twisted at the vulnerability in his voice. Ivan was a man who rarely showed his emotions, who kept his walls up at all times. But in this moment, she saw the weight of fatherhood in his eyes—the fierce protectiveness he felt for their son, even if he didn't always know how to express it.

They continued in silence, the estate finally coming into view through the trees. The large stone walls stood tall and imposing, a fortress that had withstood countless battles over the years. But would it be enough to protect them from the storm that was about to descend?

As they approached the gate, one of Ivan's men stepped forward, his expression tense. "Sir, we've had reports of movement on the perimeter. It looks like Dimitri's men are closing in."

Ivan cursed under his breath. "How long do we have?"

"An hour, maybe less."

Kacey's heart raced. They had barely made it back in time.

Ivan nodded, his jaw tight with determination. "Get everyone inside. Fortify the estate. We're not going down without a fight."

The guard nodded and rushed off to carry out his orders. Kacey followed Ivan inside, her mind spinning with fear and adrenaline. The air inside the estate was thick with tension, every guard on high alert, every weapon ready.

Kacey didn't hesitate. She made her way through the estate, her only thought on getting to Adrian. She found him in his room, sitting on his bed with a book in his lap, completely unaware of the chaos unfolding around him.

"Mom?" Adrian's voice was soft, his eyes wide with confusion.

Kacey rushed to his side, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I'm here, sweetheart. Everything's going to be okay."

Adrian clung to her, his small hands gripping her tightly. "What's happening?"

Kacey pulled back, cupping his face in her hands. "There's going to be some noise outside, but I need you to stay in here, okay? Stay with me, and I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

Adrian nodded, though his eyes were filled with worry. Kacey's heart ached as she held him close, knowing that no matter what happened, she had to protect him.

She had to.

The storm was coming, and this time, it wasn't just rain and wind. It was Dimitri's final play.

And Kacey would be ready.