Evelina

(xxviii)

Vincenzo

Being back home felt surreal, like walking into a warm memory that somehow managed to wrap itself around me, solid and comforting. A year had passed since we escaped the horrors of captivity, and although we carried scars—both seen and unseen—there was healing, slow and steady, as we clung to one another for strength. Our family had become stronger, a tight-knit unit forged in survival. Even Vera was now a part of it. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louise, felt she'd be safest with us, surrounded by people who understood what she'd been through. The Germans had been as ruthless with her as they'd been with me, and only Eve seemed to truly understand the depth of our nightmares.

Down in the mansion's basement, those responsible for our pain—the German operatives, Aiden and his second-in-command, Michael Dorigo—still languished, chained and awaiting their judgment. Papà and Mama had left the decision to me, believing that only their deaths could finally set me free. Eve was firm about it too, her logic clear and piercing: "If they're gone for good, Enzo, they won't haunt you. Knowing they're dead can help end the nightmares because you'll finally know they won't come after you again."

Today was the day I'd finally confront them.

I walked into the kitchen and found Vera already up, enjoying her morning coffee by the window as sunlight flooded in. "Morning, Vera," I murmured, leaning down to kiss her forehead before grabbing a glass of water.

She glanced up, eyebrows raised. "What's got you looking so damn chipper this early?"

I took a deep breath. "Today's the day I'm getting rid of those two nightmares." I looked her in the eyes, letting the weight of the words settle. "Would you want to help?"

Her eyes softened with understanding, though her lips quirked in a small, wry smile. "Sure, but I'll only be available until six. After that, I need to take care of Elizabeth."

I nodded. Little Elizabeth had become a source of light in our home, her laughter like a salve on our souls. But it was rare to see Vera have a break from caring for her, and it puzzled me. "Can't her parents take care of her?"

Vera shook her head, sipping her coffee with a fond smile. "They're going on a date tonight. First one in months. They need this, trust me."

Just then, I heard a soft cry down the hall, and with a quick turn of my head, I saw Eve emerging, cradling Elizabeth, who was just beginning to wake up, her sleepy eyes peeking out from under dark lashes. Eve gave me a knowing smile.

"EVELINA GIANINNO!" I called out, feigning exasperation.

She strolled over, her smile unbothered. "Yes, Enzo?"

I motioned to Elizabeth, mock-frowning. "I want my fiancée with me for once, but you keep dragging her away with this baby."

Eve chuckled, adjusting Elizabeth in her arms. "Well, no one's stopping you from keeping her around. I certainly didn't kidnap her."

"What about Lizzy?" I asked, glancing over at the baby whose big eyes blinked up at me.

Eve shrugged, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Mama's more than happy to help with my daughter. And I'd say she's earned the joy of spoiling her granddaughter. Now go get lost, Enzo, or make yourself useful."

I sighed, knowing Eve was right. Mama adored little Elizabeth, and she was more than thrilled to take on baby duties whenever she got the chance. But there was something else lingering in Eve's gaze as she looked back at me—something heavy, as if she knew today would bring a finality that neither of us were prepared for.

Later that evening, as the sky turned shades of amber and rose, I found myself in the basement, the cold, dank air wrapping around me like a reminder of the shadows I was here to face. Vera stood beside me, a steely resolve in her eyes, though her hand held onto mine for support.

Aiden and Michael were shackled to their chairs, looking worn and broken, a far cry from the monstrous figures they'd once been. Their faces registered shock and then dread as they saw us approach.

I took a steadying breath, trying to keep the storm of emotions within me at bay. "You thought you could break us," I began, my voice cold and unwavering. "But here we stand. Stronger. And today, you'll answer for everything you did."

Michael glared, defiant to the end, but Aiden's gaze flickered with something akin to fear. The sight of it sent a grim satisfaction through me, a flicker of power over the men who'd once held us helpless.

Vera spoke up then, her voice low and firm. "You took our peace, our innocence, our lives. But we've reclaimed them, and this is where it ends for you."

Aiden looked away, defeated, while Michael's glare only intensified, a dangerous glint in his eyes. He spat out, "You think killing us will change anything? There'll always be someone else. Always."

I exchanged a glance with Vera, her fingers squeezing mine, grounding me. "Maybe," I replied, my tone even. "But you won't be here to see it."

And with those words, we stepped forward and ended their lives with one blow.