Rescued by Darkness

Shadows and Steel

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the D'Angelo estate. Lorenzo stood on the balcony, overlooking the grounds as the evening settled around them. He could feel the ever-present tension in the air, an invisible weight that had returned after the guard's report that morning. Despite their best efforts to maintain a façade of normalcy, Lorenzo knew his family sensed it too.

Alessia joined him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're doing all you can, Lorenzo," she said quietly, her voice a calming presence. "We knew this wouldn't end overnight."

Lorenzo turned to her, his gaze intense. "They want to strike when we're vulnerable. They know we've brought Luciana home, that we're together here. It's a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to make a move against us."

Alessia nodded, but her eyes held a fierce determination. "Then let's show them that this family is stronger than they could ever imagine."

A flicker of admiration crossed Lorenzo's face as he reached out, pulling her close. "I don't know what I'd do without you by my side, cara mia."

Before they could say more, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted them. Nico approached, his face serious, his usual calm confidence sharpened with an edge of worry.

"Father," Nico said, glancing between his parents. "One of our men found tracks near the west entrance. Someone's been watching us."

Lorenzo's jaw clenched. He'd been expecting this—an enemy probing their defenses, seeking weak spots. He glanced at Nico, his oldest son who had grown into a formidable figure of his own. Though the circumstances were grim, Lorenzo felt a surge of pride. Nico had proven himself time and time again to be a leader, a man capable of protecting the family.

"Get the boys together. We need to set up a watch around the house," Lorenzo instructed, his voice low but firm.

Without another word, Nico nodded and disappeared back into the house. A few moments later, Lorenzo heard the sound of his sons gathering in the foyer, their voices a steady hum of determination.

Lorenzo descended the stairs to find his sons ready, each of them focused and ready to defend their family. Nico and Xander stood side by side, expressions mirroring their father's seriousness. Leo, Mason, and Cassio flanked them, their eyes sharp, eager to prove themselves.

"Tonight, we secure the perimeter," Lorenzo began, his voice resonating with authority. "I need each of you to take up a position around the house. If anyone comes near, you report it immediately."

The boys nodded, each taking his assigned post as they headed outside, blending seamlessly into the shadows of the estate. Lorenzo felt a mixture of pride and anxiety as he watched them go. He knew they were prepared, but the threat loomed large, a reminder of the dangers that came with the D'Angelo name.

Once his sons had settled into their positions, Lorenzo made his way back to the living room, where Alessia was soothing a drowsy Luciana. She glanced up at him, and he could see the concern in her eyes.

"Will it ever stop?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He approached her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Not while we're in this world," he admitted, a trace of sadness in his tone. "But as long as I have breath in my body, I'll make sure they stay safe."

Alessia gave him a small smile, brushing her fingers over Luciana's tiny hand. "I believe you, Lorenzo."

They stayed like that for a while, holding each other as the weight of the night settled around them. Lorenzo's thoughts wandered to the past, to the countless battles he had fought to protect his family. But this time felt different—this time, he wasn't just fighting for survival; he was fighting for peace, for the small moments of normalcy they'd been able to grasp in recent months.

As the night deepened, Lorenzo made his rounds, checking on each of his sons. He found Xander near the garage, his gaze fixed on the darkened horizon, every muscle tense and alert.

"Anything?" Lorenzo asked quietly.

Xander shook his head. "Nothing yet. But I don't like this feeling, Father. It's too quiet."

Lorenzo nodded, understanding his son's unease. The silence before an attack was always the most unsettling part. He patted Xander's shoulder, offering a rare moment of reassurance. "Stay sharp. We'll get through this."

He continued on, finding Leo stationed by the garden, blending in with the shadows. Mason and Cassio were positioned near the main gate, whispering to each other in low tones as they kept a close watch. Lorenzo's heart swelled with pride—they were his sons, born and raised in this world, but they'd grown into men capable of standing by his side.

The final stop was Nico, who stood on the edge of the estate grounds, his gaze unwavering as he scanned the area. Lorenzo joined him, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his oldest son.

"Nico," Lorenzo said, breaking the silence. "If anything happens tonight, you have to be ready to take over. For the family."

Nico looked at his father, surprise flashing in his eyes before he composed himself. "Nothing's going to happen to you, Father. We're all here to protect each other."

Lorenzo gave a small nod, but he didn't look away from the horizon. "I know you will, figlio mio. But it's my job to prepare you for anything."

They stayed like that for a while, side by side, the unspoken understanding between them as deep as blood. In Nico, Lorenzo saw his own reflection—a young man with the weight of a family on his shoulders, determined to protect those he loved, no matter the cost.

Just as Lorenzo turned to leave, a soft sound broke the silence. They froze, every instinct on high alert. Nico's hand went to the weapon at his side, and Lorenzo motioned for him to stay still.

A rustling sound came from the bushes, and Lorenzo strained his senses, his heart pounding as he waited for a sign of who—or what—was approaching. Slowly, a figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the dim light of the property.

It was one of their guards, but his face was unfamiliar, and something about his stance was off. Lorenzo's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, every muscle tense.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice like iron.

The man hesitated for a fraction of a second before his face twisted into a smirk. "Loyalty only goes so far, D'Angelo," he sneered, his hand reaching toward his belt.

Lorenzo's instincts kicked in. Before the man could draw his weapon, Lorenzo moved, a swift motion that had him disarmed and on his knees, Nico covering them from the side. The guard let out a strangled curse, his eyes blazing with hatred.

"Who sent you?" Lorenzo growled, tightening his grip.

The man spat, defiance flickering in his eyes. "You think you're untouchable. But there are others watching, and they're coming for all of you."

A cold fury settled over Lorenzo, but he forced himself to stay calm. He turned to Nico. "Take him to the basement. We'll get more answers later."

Nico nodded, dragging the man away without another word. Lorenzo took a steadying breath, his heart racing. This was just the beginning, but he was ready for whatever came next. His family was strong, united, and prepared—and he would ensure that they stayed that way, no matter who tried to tear them apart.

Returning to the house, Lorenzo found Alessia waiting for him, worry etched across her face. He pulled her into his arms, feeling her relax against him.

"It's alright," he murmured, kissing the top of her head. "Whatever comes, we'll face it together."

Alessia looked up at him, her eyes filled with trust and love. "We always do, Lorenzo. We always do."