Rescued by Darkness

Mamma

Alessia stood at the window of the master suite, gazing out into the vast, moonlit gardens of the D'Angelo estate. The familiar sights of home—the manicured lawns, the tall trees swaying in the soft breeze—were comforting, yet tonight, her thoughts wandered far from the usual tranquility she found in this view. Life had changed drastically since Luciana arrived, and the transformation was both wonderful and overwhelming.

The house, once dominated by the energetic presence of her five sons, now had a new heartbeat—a tiny, delicate presence that shifted everything. Luciana had been with them for only a short time, but it felt as though she had been part of their lives forever. Alessia's heart swelled with love each time she thought of the little girl who now slept peacefully in her crib beside their bed.

A daughter. Alessia had waited so long for this—dreamed of it in quiet moments over the years. Though she adored her boys, a piece of her had always yearned for a girl, someone she could dress in pretty clothes, share secrets with, and pass on her traditions to. Luciana had filled that void in a way that Alessia hadn't realized was possible. She wasn't just another child to care for—

Luciana was the missing piece of their family.

But Luciana's arrival had not been without challenges. The baby girl, only four months old, had endured more hardship than anyone should ever have to face. Kidnapped by cruel strangers, neglected, and abused, Luciana had been through a nightmare before finding safety with the D'Angelos. Even now, Alessia could still feel the sting of her initial fears—Luciana's tiny, fragile body stiffening whenever someone unfamiliar approached, her wide, green eyes filled with terror.

The fear was still there, though it had begun to ease. Alessia had been patient, letting Luciana come to her in her own time. Lorenzo had formed an instant bond with their daughter—he had that effect on people. Strong, steady, protective. Luciana trusted him implicitly, and it had warmed Alessia's heart to see her husband embrace his role as Luciana's father with such tenderness. But Alessia had taken a slower, more careful approach, giving Luciana the space she needed to feel safe with her.

And gradually, it had worked.

In the quiet moments, when Luciana allowed herself to rest against Alessia's chest, or when her tiny hands reached out during feedings, Alessia could feel their connection growing. It was subtle, but unmistakable. Luciana was starting to understand that she had a mother now—a mother who would love her unconditionally, protect her fiercely, and never let her feel alone or unloved again.

Alessia turned her gaze toward the crib, watching as Luciana shifted slightly in her sleep, her tiny fists curled under her chin. She looked so peaceful, so perfect, that it was almost hard to believe the suffering she had endured. Alessia's heart ached at the thought of what could have happened to Luciana if Lorenzo hadn't found her, hidden away in that terrible place. She shuddered to think of the life Luciana had been spared from—the cruelty, the neglect. Now, she would know only love and protection.

Alessia moved quietly across the room, her bare feet silent against the polished wood floor. She leaned over the crib, her fingers gently brushing a strand of Luciana's soft hair away from her face. Her touch was light, almost reverent, as though she was afraid to disturb the baby's peaceful slumber. Every time Alessia looked at Luciana, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for the chance to be her mother, to raise her, to give her a life filled with happiness and security.

A soft creak of the floorboards behind her signaled Lorenzo's presence. Alessia turned slightly, catching sight of him in the dim light of the room. He had just finished a long conversation with Rocco about tightening security around the estate, and she could see the weight of the day's concerns etched into his features. But as his eyes met hers, and then shifted to Luciana, a softness washed over his expression.

"She's perfect," Alessia whispered, her voice barely above a breath as she gazed back down at their daughter.

Lorenzo came to stand beside her, his large hand resting on the edge of the crib as he looked down at Luciana. "She is," he agreed, his voice warm but low. He was always quiet around 

Luciana, as though afraid to disturb the fragile peace she brought with her.

Alessia could sense the tension in him—despite the tenderness he showed with Luciana, the weight of his responsibilities was ever-present. The threat from the Russians, the possibility of a rat within their ranks—it all hung over him like a dark cloud. She knew Lorenzo well enough to see the worry in his eyes, even when he tried to hide it from her.

"She's lucky to have you," Alessia murmured, her hand slipping into his, offering the quiet support that had always been part of their relationship. "She knows you'll protect her."

Lorenzo's gaze lingered on Luciana for a moment longer, his face softening before he spoke. "She's changed everything," he said, his voice deep and thoughtful. "I've never felt this way before—not with the boys. This is different."

Alessia smiled at that. "She's your princess," she teased lightly. "And you never had a daughter to spoil before."

Lorenzo chuckled softly, though the sound was more weary than amused. "She's definitely a daddy's girl," he admitted, his thumb gently rubbing the back of Alessia's hand. "But I've noticed she's getting more comfortable with you."

Alessia nodded, her heart swelling at the thought. "It's taken time, but she's starting to trust me." She paused, glancing up at him. "I always wanted a daughter, Lorenzo. I didn't realize how much until now."

Lorenzo looked down at her, his eyes softening in that way they only did for her and their children. "And she couldn't have a better mother."

They stood together for a while longer, watching over Luciana as she slept, the quiet of the night wrapping around them like a blanket. Alessia knew that the road ahead would not be easy—the dangers of their world were very real, and the threats surrounding them were growing. But for now, in this peaceful moment, she allowed herself to simply be a mother. To revel in the love she had for her daughter, for her family.

Luciana had brought light back into their home, and Alessia was determined to keep that light shining, no matter what it took.