Se connecter“Your third child is mine.” The words echoed through the underground chamber. Elena couldn't move. She stared at the screen. The man sitting in the dark room looked exactly like Adrian. Same eyes. Same jawline. Same cold, commanding presence. For one terrifying second, Elena couldn't tell which one was real. Then Adrian stepped in front of her. “You.” The man smiled. “Hello, Adrian.” “Who are you?” “You already know.” “I don't.” The man's smile widened. “You've seen my face before.” Adrian's fists tightened. “That's impossible.” “Is it?” The man leaned closer to the camera. “Look at your reflection, Adrian.” Adrian stared at the screen. “Same face.” The stranger nodded. “Because we're family.” Elena grabbed Adrian's arm. “Don't listen to him.” The stranger laughed. “Still protecting him, Elena?” Adrian immediately turned toward the screen. “Don't say her name.” “I've known Elena longer than you have.” “You've never met her.” “Oh, but I have.” Elena'
“One of your three children already belongs to the Black Rose.” The words echoed through the underground chamber. Elena couldn't breathe. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach. “No,” she whispered. Adrian immediately stepped in front of her. “You don't get to talk about our children like they're property.” The voice from the speakers remained calm. “Property?” A low, almost amused laugh filled the room. “You still don't understand, Adrian.” “Then come down here and explain it to my face.” “Adrian!” Elena grabbed his arm. “Don't.” He turned toward her. “Elena, they are threatening our children.” “I know.” Her voice trembled. “But that's exactly what they want. They want you angry.” Adrian stared at her for a moment. Then he took her hand. “Whatever happens, I won't let them take you.” Elena looked down at their joined hands. “And the babies?” “All three.” She looked into his eyes. “You heard what they said.” “I heard them.” “They said one of our babies
“Because one of your three children already belongs to the Black Rose.” The words echoed through the Rose Vault. Elena stood frozen. Three children. Not two. Three. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach. Adrian was beside her, staring at the empty incubator. “No,” he said. His voice was low. “No. This is another lie.” Celeste looked at him. “It isn't.” Adrian turned sharply. “You knew?” Celeste swallowed. “I suspected.” “You suspected Elena was carrying three babies?” “I didn't know until the system confirmed it.” Elena looked at Dr. Bellini. “You told me I was carrying twins.” The doctor was crying. “I believed you were.” “You're a doctor!” “I know!” “Then how could you not know?” Dr. Bellini lowered her head. “Because the third embryo wasn't detectable during the first examinations.” Adrian stared at her. “That's impossible.” “It shouldn't be possible.” Elena shook her head. “You keep saying that.” She looked around the room. “Everyone keeps t
“THE FIRST CHILD HAS ALREADY BEEN BORN.” The words echoed through the entire Rose Vault. Elena froze. Adrian stared at the speakers. “No.” His voice was barely a whisper. Then he shouted, “NO!” He turned toward the hidden staircase. “Where is my child?” No answer. “WHO IS DOWN THERE?” Only the sound of the alarm responded. WEE-OOO. WEE-OOO. Elena grabbed Adrian's arm. “Adrian…” He turned immediately. “What?” “I heard it.” “The cry?” She nodded. “It sounded like a baby.” Adrian looked toward the floor. “Then we're going down.” Celeste grabbed his arm. “Don't.” Adrian pulled away. “Get your hands off me.” “You don't understand what is beneath this building.” “My child is down there.” “You could be walking into a trap.” “I don't care.” Elena stepped between them. “Adrian is right.” Celeste stared at her. “You're pregnant.” “And my baby may be down there.” “No.” Elena's voice became firm. “You've lied to me too many times.” Celeste lowered her eyes
Elena couldn't move. Neither could Adrian. The man standing at the bottom of the stairs looked exactly like him. Same dark hair. Same sharp jaw. Same cold eyes. Same height. Even the same scar above his left eyebrow. For several seconds, nobody said a word. Then Adrian whispered, “Who are you?” The man smiled. “You really don't recognize me?” Adrian's hand tightened around his weapon. “No.” The man slowly walked forward. “That's unfortunate.” Elena stepped closer to Adrian. “Adrian…” “I know.” “He looks like you.” “I can see that.” The stranger stopped several feet away. “My name is Alexander De Luca.” Matteo suddenly stepped forward. “No.” Alexander looked at him. “Hello, Matteo.” Matteo's face turned pale. “You're dead.” Alexander smiled. “So was I.” Gabriel immediately raised his weapon. “Don't move.” Alexander looked at him. “Gabriel.” Gabriel froze. “You know me?” “I know everyone who was involved.” Alexander's eyes moved toward Maria. “And
“I remember the night you died.” Elena stared at the little girl. The words made no sense. None of this made sense. She looked at Adrian. Then at Maria. Then at Matteo. Everyone looked terrified. The little girl stood quietly beside Dr. Bellini, her small hands clasped in front of her. She looked no older than six. But her eyes… Her eyes looked ancient. Like she had seen things a child should never have seen. Elena slowly stepped forward. “What's your name?” The girl smiled. “Amelia.” Elena swallowed. “Amelia…” “Yes.” “Who is your mother?” Amelia pointed directly at Elena. “You.” Elena shook her head. “No.” Amelia frowned. “You don't remember me?” “I've never seen you before.” “Yes, you have.” “When?” Amelia touched her chest. “Before you died.” Elena's heart pounded. “I never died.” Amelia tilted her head. “You did.” Adrian stepped forward. “That's enough.” Dr. Bellini raised her gun. “Don't come any closer.” Adrian stopped. “Put the weapon do







