Rescued by Darkness

A Moment of Peace

The sun hung low in the sky, casting its golden rays across the rolling hills as the D'Angelo family pulled into the private driveway of their secluded vacation home. It was an expansive property, nestled just beyond the reach of the bustling city, with sprawling gardens, a shimmering lake, and towering trees that stood as silent sentinels to the peace that had long evaded them.

Lorenzo, though still recovering from the fight that had threatened his life, smiled as he looked out over the land. The air felt fresh here—clean, untouched—and it was just what the family needed after months of tension and turmoil. They were finally going to have some time away, time to unwind, to heal, and to truly enjoy the life they had worked so hard to protect.

"Let's get inside, Daddy!" Luciana's delighted squeal rang through the car as her tiny hands reached for the door handle, eager to see what the world beyond her windows had to offer. She had come to adore these little getaways, and while she may have been too young to fully understand the significance of their trips, she was certainly old enough to appreciate the adventure.

Lorenzo chuckled, reaching over to unbuckle her. "Patience, princess. We're here. We're all here."

Alessia, who sat in the passenger seat, turned her head toward her husband and smiled. "It's been a long time since we've done something like this. Just the family. No business, no enemies, no stress. Just us."

The words were like a balm to his soul, soothing the tension that had built in his chest over the past few weeks. There had been constant threats, endless meetings with his inner circle, and far too many sleepless nights spent worrying about Luciana's safety. This moment of peace, however, felt like a fleeting treasure—one that was hard-earned and precious.

As they all gathered in the large, open living room of the vacation home, the boys quickly made themselves at home. Nico grabbed a bottle of his favorite whiskey and poured a glass, handing it to his father with a smile. Xander and Leo sprawled across the couches, trading teasing remarks, while Mason and Cassio set up the backyard for a little game of football.

"Think you can still keep up, old man?" Xander teased as Lorenzo strolled past them, his hand resting gently on Luciana's back as she toddled behind him.

Lorenzo smirked, the familiar teasing feeling like a weight lifting from his shoulders. "Old man, huh?" He winked at Xander. "I think I can still show you boys a thing or two."

Alessia laughed as she joined them. "Let the boys have their fun. It's been too long since they've had time to be boys."

"Agreed," Lorenzo replied, his eyes sparkling. But his gaze shifted to Luciana, who was now perched on his lap as he sat down on the porch swing. He held her in his arms, feeling the small warmth of her body, her little fingers gripping onto his shirt.

"Are you ready for some fun, princess?" he whispered to her softly. Luciana's eyes brightened, her small mouth turning into a tiny smile as she squirmed to get closer to him.

Alessia came over and sat beside them, wrapping her arms around them both. "This is what it's all about," she said, her voice full of contentment. "Just us. Together."

Lorenzo nodded, his heart full. He glanced over at the boys playing in the yard. They were laughing—genuinely laughing—and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to fall away. There were no enemies here, no threats to face. Just the simple joy of family, of watching his children thrive in the space they had worked so hard to protect.

Luciana babbled happily as she reached for a flower growing near the porch. Alessia leaned over to help her, her soft laughter ringing through the air as the little girl clutched it in her tiny hands.