Later that night, Thomas arrives at my room with a bulletproof vest in hand. My heart races as I realize what this means—I'm going with them. Aurora joins us, her presence a comforting reassurance that she'll be by my side, keeping me safe in the car.
As we arrive at the location where we suspect Stefano might be held, an eerie silence hangs in the air. Aurora and I wait in the car, our hands clasped together, as Thomas leads a group of men into the abandoned building. The minutes drag on, each second an eternity of uncertainty.
Suddenly, Thomas emerges from the building, his face contorted with rage. He kicks the car tires, a guttural scream of agony tearing from his throat.
"What's wrong?" I ask, my voice trembling as I step out of the car.
"Nothing," he replies, his eyes avoiding mine.
Aurora comes to stand beside me, her presence a steadying force. "Did you find Stefano?"
"No, we didn't," Thomas admits, anger seething beneath his words.
"What did you find inside that has you so wo
