Fatally Yours

Chapter 32

•INDIANA•

The drive stretched on, winding through the bustling streets of Bucharest—the capital of Romania, as Mihai had casually mentioned earlier. The city was alive even at this hour, with the hum of cars, the chatter of pedestrians, and the bright glare from the sun giving everything a warm vibrancy.

Traffic slowed us down in the city center, but I didn't mind. For once, I allowed myself to enjoy the moment, soaking in the charm of this place. The cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, and romantic aura were mesmerizing.

Cafés with outdoor seating lined the sidewalks, filled with people sipping coffee or wine, their laughter mingling with the music spilling out from nearby venues.

I caught the faint scent of pastries wafting from a nearby bakery as our car crawled through a congested intersection. Street performers entertained small crowds on corners, and couples strolled hand in hand across narrow alleyways.

Romania was nothing like I had expected—its energy was both intoxicating and comforting, a stark contrast to the tension that had followed us for days.

Dominik and Mihai sat in the front seats, speaking to each other in rapid Romanian. Their conversation was animated, their tones switching between serious and lighthearted.

Katarina sat beside me in the back, scrolling through her phone, her perfectly manicured nails clicking softly against the screen.

I listened to the men's exchange, catching a few words here and there. My grandparents had grown up in Romania, and though I'd picked up some of the language from them—and later attempted to refine it with Duolingo—I was far from fluent. Still, the occasional familiar word or phrase surfaced in their conversation, enough to spark my curiosity.

They didn't know I could understand any Romanian, even a little. And I intended to keep it that way. They believed I was an orphan raised in foster care, a lie I'd carefully maintained to protect my real identity.

If they ever found out about my family's Romanian roots, it would unravel everything—and that was a risk I couldn't afford to take.

As we left the city behind, the scenery transformed. The glowing lights and crowded streets faded, replaced by dense woods and an eerie quiet. After nearly an hour, the car slowed as Mihai steered us toward an enormous iron gate. It creaked open, revealing a winding, tree-lined path that stretched into the woods ahead.

I leaned forward slightly, peering out the window as the car made its way up the secluded road. The woods cleared gradually, and my breath caught when I saw it—the mansion.

Perched atop a hill, it loomed against the blue sky like something out of a dream. The structure was massive, with its ancient stone façade softened by modern touches of sleek glass and ambient lighting.

Ivy crept up its sides, blending seamlessly with the manicured greenery surrounding it. Its towering arches and ornate carvings spoke of old money and even older history.

The closer we got, the more starstruck I felt. I had never seen anything like it—this blend of opulence and heritage, power and beauty. It was awe-inspiring, and for a moment, I forgot why I was even here.

As the SUVs pulled into a spacious cobblestone courtyard, my sense of wonder was replaced by a familiar unease. This wasn't just a home; it was a fortress, a stronghold for the Valahia Syndicate. And now, for better or worse, I was inside.

The cars came to a stop in the cobblestone courtyard, and one by one, everyone stepped out. The cool air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine from the surrounding woods.