BLACK ROSE

Prologue

17 years ago...

Leo was on his way home when his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he answered, switching to speaker mode.
"Hello?" He said, steering the wheel to make a U-turn.
"Leo, where are you?" His wife's voice came through, tense and anxious.
"I'll be home soon, amore," he replied, noting the time: 8:45 PM. "Got caught up at the office."
"Okay, but hurry. She won't sleep until she sees you," she added softly. He smiled at that, warmth briefly overshadowing the long day.
"Tell her I'm almost there," he said, checking the rearview mirror and spotting a black SUV trailing him. His brows furrowed, suspicion creeping in.
"What's wrong?" his wife asked, sensing his pause.
"Nothing, don't worry. I'll see you soon." He cut the call abruptly, his heart quickening.

The highway stretched ahead, but the SUV behind him sped up, matching his pace. Anxiety gripped him, and he pressed harder on the gas. Moments later, the vehicle shot ahead, swerving dangerously in front of his car. He barely had time to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision.

Cold dread surged through him as men in dark suits emerged from the SUV, moving toward his car with grim purpose. His instincts screamed to flee. Fumbling with the seatbelt, Leo managed to unbuckle it and threw open the door. He scrambled out, backing away, but before he could escape, gunfire echoed. Pain exploded through his chest. He stumbled, crashing to his knees.

One of the men crouched beside him, running the muzzle of his gun along Leo's temple.
"Consider this a warning. Never step into battles with powers beyond your reach." His voice was low, final. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.

Leo's last thought, as the world faded into darkness, was of his family—his wife, his...
...daughter.