The Wolf's Obsession

Chapter 10: Into the Fire.

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The gunshot echoed in the air, sharp and deafening. Isabella's heart stopped, fear rooting her to the spot as Alessandro and De Luca's men erupted into motion, chaos consuming the clearing. Alessandro pulled her to the ground, shielding her with his body as bullets whizzed past them, the darkness alive with violence.

In the confusion, she saw De Luca stagger back, clutching his arm where the bullet had struck him. Alessandro took advantage of the moment, pulling her up as he barked orders to Antonio, who, despite his injuries, moved swiftly to help Alessandro counterattack. But they were outnumbered, and Isabella could see the toll it was taking on Alessandro as he fended off one attacker after another.

A familiar voice called out from the edge of the clearing, piercing through the chaos like a beacon. "Isabella!"

She turned, her heart leaping as she recognized Elena, the maid who had become her confidante, her friend, in this dark, twisted world. Elena stood near a break in the treeline, her face pale but her expression resolute. She motioned frantically, urging Isabella toward her.

"Elena!" Isabella's voice was breathless, half in relief and half in disbelief. She hadn't expected to see her here, not in the middle of this blood-soaked night.

Alessandro noticed her hesitation, his eyes darting to Elena before returning to her. "Go with her," he commanded, his tone laced with urgency. "Get to safety. I'll find you."

Isabella hesitated, torn between her need to stay by his side and the instinct to survive. But the look in Alessandro's eyes left no room for argument. Reluctantly, she nodded and sprinted toward Elena, who reached out, grabbing her hand and leading her into the dense cover of the forest.

As they ran, Isabella could hear the sounds of the fight fading behind them, but her mind remained fixed on Alessandro, her heart heavy with worry. Elena tightened her grip on her hand, her gaze fierce, as if sensing the turmoil inside her.

"Isabella, you have to trust me," Elena whispered as they navigated the twisting forest paths, her voice low and urgent. "There's a safe house nearby-Alessandro made arrangements in case anything like this happened."

Isabella's heart ached at the thought. He had planned for this, prepared a way to keep her safe even in the worst of circumstances. She glanced at Elena, a flicker of gratitude breaking through her fear. "How did you know to find us?" she asked, her breath coming in ragged gasps as they ducked under branches and pushed through thick underbrush.

Elena's expression was troubled, her eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and determination. "I overheard De Luca's men talking," she admitted. "They were planning this ambush, and I couldn't just sit by and let it happen. I knew you'd be in danger. So, I took a chance."

They reached a small, abandoned cabin nestled among the trees, hidden beneath a canopy of vines and foliage. Elena pushed the door open, ushering Isabella inside and securing the door behind them.

The cabin was dimly lit by a single oil lamp, casting long shadows across the room, but it was dry and sheltered-a safe haven amidst the storm.

Isabella collapsed onto an old wooden bench, her mind racing, every nerve still buzzing from the confrontation. She looked at Elena, gratitude and fear warring within her.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come."

Elena knelt beside her, taking her hand in a comforting grasp. "You're like family to me, Isabella," she said, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "I couldn't let anything happen to you."

A soft, bitter laugh escaped Isabella's lips. "Family... It's strange. Alessandro has taken so much from me, yet you... you've given me something I didn't know I needed." She met Elena's gaze, a sudden, desperate plea in her eyes. "But what about Alessandro? He's still out there, facing De Luca on his own. I can't just leave him."