Live A Little

Ch 36 : Found

Nicolo's P.O.V:

The tension was almost unbearable. Every second felt like a lifetime as we crouched in the shadows, watching the warehouse from a distance. My heart pounded against my ribcage, each beat reminding me of how little time Alora had left. I kept replaying her scream in my mind, and it felt like it was slicing me apart.

Alex motioned toward the far corner of the warehouse yard. "We need a vantage point. If we can sneak closer, we'll know how many guards there really are."

Vincenzo nodded, his jaw set. "I'll cover the rear. Elias, you're with me. Bruno and Dad, you're our distraction."

I clenched my fists, the plan feeling like it would stretch our resources thin. "Just promise me," I said quietly, "no matter what, get her out."

Bruno placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "She's coming home, dad. We're doing this together."

Alora's P.O.V:

The echoes of footsteps in the warehouse froze me in fear. My arm throbbed from the cigar burn, and my vision still blurred from where John's boot had struck my head. But I forced my eyes to stay open, to stay alert. If I let the darkness consume me, I'd lose any chance of escape.

Serine hovered nearby, her expression unreadable. For all her cruelty, the flickers of doubt in her eyes gave me a small thread of hope. Could she still love me? Could she betray John and save me?

John barked orders from the other side of the room, his voice gruff. "I want two men on every door. Nicolo's no fool, and he'll come for her. We need to be ready."

I bit my lip, holding back tears. Dad, please, hurry.

Nicolo's P.O.V:

We moved quickly and quietly, Bruno and I circling around toward the warehouse's far side. Using the shadows to our advantage, we found a pile of old crates stacked against the wall, perfect cover for what we needed to do.

Bruno handed me a small radio. "Signal Vincenzo when you're ready. He'll make sure the team is in position."

I gave a sharp nod. "Let's set this place ablaze with noise."

Together, we rigged the crates with makeshift fire starters—old rags soaked in oil. The faint scent was pungent, but it would work to draw the guards away.

As I struck the match, I whispered under my breath, "For you, Alora."

Flames erupted in seconds, licking at the wooden crates and sending smoke billowing skyward. The guards shouted in confusion, some rushing toward the fire, leaving their posts.

Bruno grinned, his voice low. "That's our cue."

Inside the warehouse, chaos began to unfold. I could feel it in my bones—this was our moment. We were coming for her. For Alora. The flames crackled, casting eerie shadows across the warehouse yard. The guards yelled over the chaos as they rushed toward the growing fire. Bruno and I stayed low, slipping deeper into the shadows as the diversion worked just as planned. My heart thundered in my chest as I exchanged a quick nod with Bruno. This was it—the moment we had prepared for. Alora needed us, and we wouldn't let her down.

Through the radio, Vincenzo's voice came through in a calm, measured tone. "We're in position. dad, proceed with caution."

The group was ready to make their move, but I couldn't shake the gnawing anxiety that gripped me. Every step closer to the warehouse felt heavier, like trudging through quicksand, but I pushed on. There was no room for hesitation or fear now.

As Bruno and I approached the side entrance, Alex and Elias flanked the opposite end, securing an alternate route. We moved with precision, years of shared experience evident in every gesture and decision. We communicated silently, relying on hand signals and instinct. This wasn't our first dangerous mission, but it was by far the most personal.