Rescued by Darkness

Bonds of Brotherhood

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a deep indigo glow over the D'Angelo estate as the evening settled into the familiar quiet. Inside, the warmth of family pulsed like a heartbeat, making the vast mansion feel more like home.

Nico stood in the main sitting room, leaning against the wall, observing the scene before him. His brothers were scattered around, each in their own position, each with a rare look of calm and contentment on their faces. He took a deep breath, letting himself savor this moment—a moment of peace he knew wouldn't last long. But for now, they were together, and he was determined to hold on to that for as long as he could.

Luciana was nestled between Mason and Cassio, her little face lighting up as Cassio animatedly played with a stuffed lion, roaring softly to make her laugh. Each giggle that escaped her seemed to echo through the room, cutting through the usual tense energy that came with being a D'Angelo.

Leo, who was usually so serious, was sprawled out on the floor next to them, his hand propping up his head as he watched his baby sister with a soft smile. He was gently holding her tiny hand in his, his thumb rubbing small circles on the back of her hand—a touch that was as protective as it was tender.

Nico smiled to himself as he watched them, his heart swelling with a fierce protectiveness. Luciana was a symbol of something he'd almost forgotten he wanted—a life worth fighting for, something pure to guard and cherish. Their family had been steeped in danger and violence for so long that the thought of someone so innocent, so untouched by darkness, was a gift beyond anything he could have imagined.

Xander caught Nico's eye from across the room, raising an eyebrow in an almost amused expression. "You know," Xander said with a smirk, "I think little Luciana might be the only person in this family who can get you to smile like that, Nico."

Nico rolled his eyes, but he couldn't fight the smile tugging at his lips. "Say what you want, but it's hard not to smile when she's around. She's... different."

Xander nodded, the usual playfulness in his eyes softening as he glanced over at Luciana, who was now playing with Mason's fingers, babbling in her little way. "Different in the best way possible. She makes all of this feel... worth it," Xander admitted, his voice uncharacteristically quiet.

The brothers fell into a comfortable silence, each one processing the truth in Xander's words. The D'Angelo family had always been bound by their legacy, by a code of loyalty and protection, but Luciana had given them something more. She was a spark of light in their otherwise shadowed lives, a reason to push forward.

After a while, Luciana's tiny hands stilled as her eyelids drooped, her energy finally waning. Nico stepped forward, leaning down to lift her into his arms. Her little head fell naturally against his shoulder, and he felt her tiny breaths, steady and calming, against his neck.

He looked over at his brothers. "I'll put her down for the night," he said quietly.

As he made his way down the hallway, he felt Luciana stir slightly in his arms, her little hand clutching at his shirt. It was a small, instinctual motion, and it sent a wave of warmth through him. She trusted him implicitly, without fear or reservation.

Reaching her crib in the nursery, Nico gently laid her down, taking a moment to pull the soft pink blanket up around her. He stood there, watching her as she breathed softly, her face peaceful and innocent. His chest tightened, and he found himself whispering, "I'll always protect you, Luciana. No matter what."

He didn't notice Alessia entering the room behind him until she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at her, finding the same mixture of love and protectiveness mirrored in her eyes.