Hundred and eighty-nine

Paolo paced nervously, his gaze repeatedly drawn to Arabella, securely bound to the chair. At first glance, she seemed unconscious, her head hanging limply, but a closer look revealed that she was simply staring down.

"How much longer do we have to wait?" he inquired of Alessia, who had resumed her position inside the pentagram.

"A few more minutes or the ritual will be incomplete," Alessia replied.

Despite the requirement for a special full moon, she had assured them of conjuring the moon to ensure the ritual's success. However, the actual full moon was still two weeks away, and Paolo couldn't afford to wait.

"Should I resort to force to speed things up?" Paolo clenched his teeth and advanced toward Arabella.

"I'll break ten fingers and ten toes if you lay a hand on her," Sandro declared, suddenly appearing in the doorway.

"Sandro," Arabella smiled, relief washing over her at the sight of him. Although she had never been particularly thrilled to see him before, his presence now offer