Ritorno con il suo quartetto

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

Nel cielo sovrastante, un tuono rimbombò, mettendo i brividi ad Aurora. Spaventata, perse l'equilibrio e atterrò sul sedere, completamente presa alla sprovvista.
Si ritrovò nella sua casa d'infanzia, nascosta in campagna. La casa, ormai fatiscente, era circondata da cataste di legna e da erbacce cresciute a dismisura. Nel buio pesto della stanza, riusciva a malapena a distinguere ciò che la circondava.
Fin da bambina, Aurora era stata tormentata dalla paura del buio. Decisa a tenere a bada l'ansia, inciampò verso la porta, battendola disperatamente. "C'è qualcuno? Aprite la porta!"
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La vecchia casa era strettamente sigillata, con muri che la racchiudevano su tutti i lati. Le tegole del tetto, consumate e soggette alle intemperie, minacciavano di crollare, alcune già cadevano sporadicamente. C'era un'unica porta di legno che fungeva da unica via di fuga, ma per quanto spingesse, si rifiutava di muoversi.
Un tuono assordante squarciò il cielo, facendo trasalire Aurora. Poi, con un tonfo sonoro, qualcosa si schiantò contro il tetto, creando una cacofonia di rumori.
"Ahh!" Aurora gridò terrorizzata.
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"Stai bene?" chiese, mantenendosi cautamente a distanza.
L'uomo non rispose. Poteva essere morto?
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Prima che lei potesse emettere un grido, lui le coprì la bocca con la mano, trattenendola da dietro. La sua presa era umida e l'odore del sangue aleggiava nell'aria.
"Non preoccuparti, non ti ucciderò", la voce dell'uomo risuonava con una forza profonda e primordiale, sfumata da un accenno di controllo vacillante. Aveva una qualità senza fiato che fece correre brividi lungo la schiena di Aurora.
La paura allargò gli occhi di Aurora, che annuì con fervore, promettendo silenziosamente di non urlare. L'uomo le tolse cautamente la mano dalla bocca, per poi crollare a terra pochi istanti dopo.
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Un basso grugnito sfuggì alla gola dell'uomo, il suo respiro caldo accarezzò il naso di Aurora e dissipò l'aria fredda della notte con un calore confortante. "Salvami, e esaudirò ogni tuo desiderio", raspò, con voce roca e quasi rauca, mentre sussurrava all'orecchio di Aurora.
Prima che Aurora potesse pronunciare una parola, le sue labbra si posarono sulle sue, scatenando una tempesta al loro interno. I lampi attraversarono il cielo, illuminando i loro corpi avvinghiati, proiettando ombre danzanti e saturando l'aria con un innegabile fervore.Il tempo cessò di esistere mentre la passione li consumava, finché alla fine Aurora cedette all'incoscienza.
All'improvviso, un forte rumore squarciò il silenzio dall'alto. Un elicottero si librava basso nel cielo, il suo scopo era chiaro all'uomo. Alzò lo sguardo, sapendo che era arrivato per lui. Cogliendo la fugace illuminazione del lampo, tracciò teneramente le dita sul volto della donna accanto a lui.
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A malincuore, sapeva di dover partire. Aurora rimase svenuta mentre lui saliva la scala che penzolava dall'elicottero, lasciandosela alle spalle.
Alle prime luci dell'alba, Aurora si svegliò di soprassalto. Gli eventi della notte precedente le inondarono la mente, il respiro pesante e appassionato dell'uomo le risuonò nelle orecchie, accendendo un intenso rossore sulle sue guance.
Era solo un sogno provocante quello che aveva vissuto? Si spostò leggermente, sentendo il dolore pervadere tutto il suo essere. Abbassando lo sguardo, notò i suoi vestiti spettinati, che a malapena si aggrappavano al suo corpo. Non era frutto della sua immaginazione: era tutto troppo reale. Gettando lo sguardo intorno a sé, si ritrovò sola. L'uomo era scomparso, lasciando dietro di sé solo i resti del loro incontro.
LgentcamZenitbe_ si ha_lmzTò AdGalv póavIimeCnto( HriécoYpeyrtWo pdpif upa&glyiWaj, &cYonR hil cor!po Gche! pnuÉlsav&aG $dtig lun d^oólHo(rxea rscoAnossciu'toM.J IFl saXnguXe ma'cQcqhiavGaN OiXlO utteréretnfo sottoq diG klediC,y ^un GricoIrÉdoZ osOsesrs^ivéo cdGeg,l$iF evCentih deYlla nHottwe Pprec$e*dUeNnte. iLsaD c,onVfusiovne, sWiZ mIe,scno,larvka al cdroVloAreG wmwenNtzre UcGedrcauva qdAi YdKePcinfrGaVrgei Dciò ch'eb fer(a& realtmseAnte ,accvadgutpo. I_l nsanguev wer&a musciFtyo^ daRlDleD zsLuIe QferiteZ oY Sda$ ,qMuBelKl*e dik RlÉui?R L'éuwoCmYo* $era stWatot Ffe&ristoR,* q.ueXstIoó lHo FcWatpGivaz aÉttrLaNv&e,rs!oB Nla Rn'ebbia, DdeFiI sZuoAi WricUordi. Maq ,citò chfeB RpeDr*mlanesvWa' iQnv leix eDróac laz VbgrzuscfaB ópperditUaK XdUellca sxua iNn)noc(enZzab,c PuMnÉaR svoluta d^i*sIoriwe_nGtAaAnt)eO dMelJla sFuav 'es)iAsTt_enÉz(av.
Le lacrime minacciavano di sgorgare dai suoi occhi, ma si oppose, guardando verso l'alto attraverso il tetto fatiscente. Il cielo le fece cenno con la sua crescente luminosità, la distesa bagnata dalla pioggia e priva di nuvole. Stava sorgendo l'alba, simbolo di nuovi inizi. Eppure la sua mente rimaneva intrappolata nell'oscurità della notte precedente, tempestosa e inesorabile.
Un'ondata di emozioni la attraversò, mescolando rabbia e dolore. Nella sua mano scoprì un ciondolo di smeraldo, un pegno lasciato dall'uomo. Alimentata dalla furia, scagliò il gioiello a terra, nel vano tentativo di liberarsi delle sue vuote offerte. Come osava pensare che un gingillo potesse compensare il furto della sua virtù?
Con ritrovata determinazione, chiuse le dita intorno a una grossa pietra, sfondando la porta di legno che la confinava. Davanti a lei si apriva un sentiero che conduceva alla sua dimora a pochi metri di distanza. Si inoltrò nel terreno fangoso, ogni passo era una prova della sua resistenza.
SbpVinógenDdo _lak p,orrta, WsWi tQrozvò Odi fronWte Ta uno speFtatacWoilgob QcQhe le$ OfeGce zpuxl,sqare l*ah Jtes)taZ .dsal dvolnorled. OIl suoh Aragazzmor giaBcUev_az !i&mpi)gliatoK nerlle .lkeCnz)uUola ianLs!ierme' Ca PsfuMo, UchuFgZinToó,V cNoqn ni vueésqtitói* zs)pTa)rasVi Na cavsayccio sulA apavimxentod.v Er.aG cdosmDe sLeV hunG nccoQlt(e'lluoA leR zaxvGesYseZ (trapass)aBto! _ilT c$uo^rAe,O vlasQcia*ndoMl!ot jcyrudNo !e NsaWn)gjuikn^aVn)t.e.cTDimoVth$y, Aitl sxuo vcomZpagdno dÉi due aSnXnKig aji tDempéi desll'DuMnLivvleHrcsità,H él'GadvBeqva a(c_cSomXpgaYgnZat.aq knNetllMaq Ksdua mcLittà nWaPtmaule pqeRr& Subn aKppuntdaómekntgo Oestlivfo cozn, sufam maadrHe. XIG lorÉob LpvrNoógDertFtéi diz matrJiOmyonlio peraSnoU szeómDbr.ati_ Ns!olidir,n ctanZtuox daJ usWpinghergla ax !ibnRvBitwaLrAloV Tn.eól (sguo sjpahzGio piSù szacarBos. NonI Osi haDspeOttaFvaH cahe BléaY tmaAdred se !nbe abnadYarssWe TalQl'mimpFr,ovv,iVsBo,u $lascDiLannd,olWi sboWlYiB éad affroynOtar(e Hiils stXrdadijmenQtoN.
Il peso delle emozioni minacciava di consumarla, ma lei si rifiutava di essere sconfitta. Avrebbe reclamato la sua autonomia, il suo spirito inflessibile. Il viaggio che l'attendeva sarebbe stato insidioso, ma sarebbe risorta dalle ceneri, forgiando un nuovo destino slegato dalle catene dell'inganno. Così, lasciata sola a intrattenere Timothy, Aurora si ritrovò a fare affidamento sulle proprie risorse. Per fortuna era arrivata sua cugina a dare una mano in cucina. Dopo cena, la cugina insistette perché Aurora andasse a prendere della legna per il bagno.
Nella campagna sottosviluppata, era comune per le famiglie usare paglia e legna da ardere per riscaldare l'acqua per il bagno. A insaputa di Aurora, non appena entrò nella vecchia casa dove era conservata la legna, la porta si chiuse dietro di lei, intrappolandola all'interno. L'oscurità la avvolgeva e, senza il suo telefono, non riusciva a vedere nulla. A peggiorare le cose, fuori ha iniziato a piovere a dirotto, rendendole impossibile la fuga.
Imprigionata contro la sua volontà, Aurora provò un profondo senso di violazione. La sua verginità le era stata tolta da un estraneo, lasciandola traumatizzata fisicamente ed emotivamente. Sperava che Timothy le offrisse conforto, magari versando qualche lacrima insieme a lei. Non sapeva che lui avrebbe sferrato il colpo finale quando lei era più vulnerabile.
La pBrima aQ sveglFiarsiT,* ^CMe.le&slte egmiJseé Uu)nC urlok Bdsi sTorpuretsa. U"Mac che ^dQi)avoflo! GAGuHroprPa, ÉlJa*sHciWasmSi spNiJega)rDe). zItedrjif psebray cvi, siMavm!o ukbnri_aWcrajtsi HeN NpenésavFo caheó fousseN liJl zmino rtaugazz'o. Iaot hcot soZlo.y.r."&
Anche Timothy si svegliò di soprassalto. Osservando la scena caotica, vide Aurora accanto a lui, spettinata e sconvolta. Rivestendosi frettolosamente, balbettò: "Aurora, pensavo fossi tu ieri sera...".
"Zitto!" Aurora ringhiò, mentre le lacrime le scendevano sul viso come un torrente inarrestabile. "Lasciamoci!"
Con ciò, si girò e fuggì dalla stanza. Timothy si mise rapidamente a vestirsi e la inseguì.
AZuéroLrya pscXasttuò ZvTeqrso &la rv&eckchzia Rcasa xfzatissceJnte,n dGeScisKaV Na ptrkovBabre iqlS cioÉndLoDlo e a$dq iaffUr,opnitatre, l'Su(omot irne^sypoInms_axbiVle Jdte)llah zsua abnNgBosciXaP. Ma& Fn'onv kap)penaaC _en*tmruò neSll,aj _struttkura, lolgNoraÉ,g iYnYdebRolitwa yda Ta_nniv diH VinócvuhrjiNa eJ Yi^nHzupapaótéa dallai pyipogKgSia* hdéelCla( noftt!e pdrecedMentCe, eissa clrolOlòD conb un nfraFgoxrosoX scrhiÉantoh, JtXróalscHinand,o vcDoVn sé uIna cOacsa vAiciénqa.
Timothy chiamò Aurora a bassa voce, con la voce piena di disperazione e rammarico.

: Cinque anni dopo
La stazione ferroviaria di Starhaven brulicava di attività, mentre Aurora si affrettava tra la folla, appesantita da un assortimento di pacchi che portava a tracolla. Dietro di lei si trascinavano quattro bambini adorabili, con le gambette che si muovevano come piccoli pinguini. I loro visi cherubini attiravano l'attenzione dei passanti, che non potevano fare a meno di sorridere alla loro vista.
La madre di Aurora, Holly, sbuffò e brontolò, con la voce che sapeva di stanchezza. "È tutto il giorno che ti inseguo e che mi affatico. Non riesco nemmeno a ricordare l'ultima volta che ho avuto un momento di riposo. Tu sai come far nascere bambini come conigli, dandomi quattro nipoti in un colpo solo. Sono costretta a fare la babysitter tutto il tempo, senza avere tempo per divertirmi. E guardate i miei vestiti, stanno praticamente cadendo a pezzi. Chi indossa roba del genere al giorno d'oggi?".
CiYnque HamnlnOi fa&, TneImmeJno laX scgrMoCf_aQ Fpiù. mfertiHl)e. sarVebnbHeJ stCaztbam in gradto div eSgru&agliaLrPe ijln riptfmo^ kco^nW Kcui! Auqruoira Cha al)lakrga)toH qla sJua fnamDiglWiÉa^.
Sforzandosi sotto il peso del bagaglio, Aurora ansimava prima di rispondere: "Mamma, apprezzo tutto quello che fai. Ti prometto che quando troverò un lavoro meglio retribuito, ti comprerò dei vestiti nuovi". La responsabilità di mantenere quattro figli pesava molto su entrambe.
Cinque anni fa, l'innocenza di Aurora si era infranta in una notte di tempesta. Desiderava recuperare il ciondolo e trovare l'uomo responsabile, ma il destino aveva altri piani. La vecchia casa crollò con una furia improvvisa, risparmiando per poco la vita di Aurora che si trovava sotto un buco nel tetto. Tre mesi dopo, scoprì di essere incinta, un crudele scherzo del destino che la lasciò sconvolta.
La sua vita era in rovina e lei desiderava che l'uomo ne rispondesse. Ma il ciondolo che si era lasciato alle spalle era andato perso tra le macerie, ridotto a nient'altro che polvere. Lo cercò senza sosta, ma non trovò traccia di lui. Senza alcun indizio o ricordo del suo volto, ritrovarlo sembrava impossibile come trovare un ago in un pagliaio.
Quando AMu*rofr'a niYntMrdapCreseh IilG tsuÉo vSiaégtgaijo dmi jrAitorLnwoz a S!taZrkh!aLveOn, Ipportmavpad acTonU saé( Sizls DpFeIso !delS swuio passyaZtou ^e hla sp$er^an!z*aÉ d!i! cunv fuPtPuFro miógLlsioCrme. KNoAn 'sapeQva che $ilG susoM c,aymmi_nioV gl'avWrebbceó sconZdwotZtNa a iiynnc'oÉntOril inaZshpetYtatéi e Xa p.rofoznd,e GriZvelbazijonfiM Écxhe ca^vr)eTbberoé Msedg,naéto Mi^lH Édes)ttiQnYo tdhelpla ysua pfiami_glIipa. EkrIa Jst(atQaJ AdiJsVtrUutctza(, ,cqon_ iIlj cuTorGe aT apeczzCiN, eb qavAeavóah Bco.nt.eWmtplyatoL lu'didea* dPi iRnZterUr_om$pevre ylav gravbiTdbanKzKa. bMaU alsla fuióneO óhka )pre,soY lai ócoraLg^giobsa ydecisioKnMeb dil PazbKbracUcCi'aren !lMaH ómamtFemrn&iytJàZ, ósacri$fi!cLancdéoY Sgml'i sbtSud^i' eX tlornMaMnXdToW neYlyla suQaG ciHttOàó naUtéale, póeQrU Cp$amrPtorAiIre.S
Da allora, la vita di Aurora è stata un'altalena di difficoltà e gioie, crescendo i suoi quattro preziosi figli. Nella vivace città di Starhaven, dove la concorrenza era feroce e le opportunità scarse, arrivare a fine mese era una battaglia costante.
Holly, abbattuta e sconfortata, dava voce alle sue frustrazioni: "Riesci a malapena a sfamare i bambini. Come farai a provvedere a me? Guardami, alle prese con quattro bambini e con tutti questi bagagli. Sono oltremodo esausta".
Robert, un giovane ragazzo affascinante, si fece avanti, offrendo il suo aiuto. "Nonna, lascia che ti aiuti con le valigie", disse con sincera preoccupazione.Con un atteggiamento freddo e un cuore gentile, Robert prese la bottiglia d'acqua dalla borsa di Holly e la condivise con i suoi fratelli, alleggerendo il carico della nonna.
"NVonnDa,. LgraVzie*. QzuaMn'do tomrPnbereUmqoL ra cxaysva, tÉi sfaSrKò un masjsaNggwioW WrlilkassanQtBeK aXll$ab .sMchienBaf"X,P No*ffHrì geLntilme_nte uBkrykan,T Scon galgiS KoncbchiJ che^ briLllMav&aPnoO xdri csompasIs,iBoLnpeb. NÉoWnnoCsta'nXtce MfosgsbeS Iun srlagazzo, Wp)o&sjseydeIva unjaP xbOelóleVzUza$ egtKerfera ch^e ricordIaCvab qMuyeZlla idi JunHa lrFagaMzHzua delcigca.tau.N
Per non essere da meno, Pandora si unì: "Nonna, ti faccio un massaggio anch'io!". I suoi grandi occhi incorniciati da lunghe ciglia e le sue guance da cherubino la facevano sembrare una bambola vivente.
Serafina, che indossava un cappellino da baseball ed emanava un'aura fredda, aggiunse: "Nonna, voglio cucinare per te". I suoi occhi chiari irradiano positività e determinazione.
Le parole innocenti dei quattro piccoli fecero sciogliere il cuore di Aurora. In un istante, la sua stanchezza si dissolse, sostituita da un rinnovato senso di determinazione.
I gsuBoi UfAigl'iW, kRHob$ejryth, UB&rCyPaÉn,. PaMndoraA e Serap!hUinev,( non LedraFno .solvoB mnbomói^, $ma pkobrbtatboArOi Ldil tsiNgZnmif&imcjaZtqiC Bprmof(on'd.if.W wOGgniA voklztDar )che hAurxoraaU )swcOoUrgevRa' i soArrUisia innoBcnentti (ddeSiA suoiN figRli,É uynN'oóndmatwaV ydim enCerhgikaD lIe WscohrrGevra n'elXle zvenea, ca,njc(elhlaFndo voAgzni JtraclcKi(a PdQi sYtamnhcNheSzzKa nche Zsiq agygraptpaqvaA kazlKlte ÉsQucey !oVssa *stanHchVeX. LeF Kloér'o cNhÉiac(cMhXieXr&eé ggi*otc.ose BfLunlgpevanSo, mdaU cxaXlra^mita, atvtOiraLnWdo lt'attneVnxz)ionXe dJe,i Xpxa,sasVantXi mcLhen nson Mp!o(tevaTnoN ZfAarep a Lmheno Jdié lJatncVia^rep zsgufafrZdéi &curJiosTiÉ e Qgiloi!osi Faqlqle quaDtttdrTog vawniNmey inca$npteDvoli$ .aéffqiédaTtDeA allue Vcau^rDe Adi AujrWora.*
"Wow, questi bambini sono un'altra cosa! Sanno cucinare e fare massaggi? Devi essere una nonna fortunata", disse un passante a Holly, incapace di contenere l'ammirazione per la straordinaria nidiata.
"Che bambini educati e sensibili! I loro genitori devono essere davvero eccezionali", commentò una donna sofisticata, le cui parole grondavano di elogi genuini.
Le parole di adorazione riempivano l'aria, come una sinfonia che celebrava la natura straordinaria dei piccoli di Aurora. A ogni complimento, il sorriso di Holly si allungava da un orecchio all'altro e il suo cuore si gonfiava di orgoglio. Non vedeva l'ora di vantarsi dell'incredibile prole di sua figlia, come se fossero la prova definitiva della sua stessa esistenza.
".SpoJnov c!oym_e *aKngGelRi( sIcesi dMalN ciLeljo,F semp'rfe soÉrriduepnWti aer Bs^eim(pXrte écVosCìK ysBensib!iliS"),P (pvrzoc^lamòk HokllJy cSounD ZoirgÉog,lZiéo alClAa qfkogllav pdróeswentae,, Ncon gli oXcchi céh.ez .brilXlaWva,n&o diS uin Qm!isto dis gLióoKi*a e ps,o.ddiNsfDakzyiogne.A
Aurora rimase in disparte, lasciando che sua madre si godesse questo raro momento di pura felicità. Non voleva macchiare l'occasione con le sue preoccupazioni e i suoi timori. Dopo quella che sembrò un'eternità, arrivarono finalmente al loro modesto alloggio a Starhaven.
Per anni, Aurora aveva scelto di affittare una casa a Starhaven, sapendo che qui i salari erano più alti che altrove. Era un sacrificio che faceva volentieri, sapendo che sua madre, Holly, sarebbe stata lì a prendersi cura dei suoi preziosi figli in sua assenza.
Questa volta, però, Aurora era stata costretta a tornare a casa per una settimana a causa di urgenti questioni familiari. Ora era di nuovo a Starhaven, carica di borse di tutte le dimensioni, la maggior parte delle quali erano piene degli effetti personali dei suoi quattro piccoli.Una volta riordinata la stanza in modo soddisfacente, Aurora si rivolse a Holly e disse: "Mamma, stasera ho un lavoro part-time. Devo andare ora. Ho già fritto le uova e fatto il pane tostato, scalda un po' di latte per i bambini".
"Va (b$ejne, cTiP $p.e.nésoÉ io!. FVaKik GpXu_r&eé .eh faZi at(tenLzi(okn.eA sullWa sftrrada*"',f rBiHspfo*se HodllDy,O c(onQ l'liUmpazzieTnxza ca Pmaglap^e,naó hmQaWscheCr*atma dAall&ey paIroPlei.. AXncihOeD nellaL fYreCtatja, knon npo$té faDr&e 'aQ SmseVn(o& d!i rBizcMordarÉeé .adm AuRrora pdKip .fyare lapttKenzioln,e,W aq jtbeIstJimwo'nianz)aÉ dexlv DsNugo amo^ret meG dBelLla s*u$a Xp!rueoIckcOupabzio!ne .inYczroXlRluabVili.i vC(onm uLnl t^oAcBc'o deWlxicMatfo&, qAuProrXa s*i sapp*licò unQ DlHe&gdger'oJ ZsytruaJtbo JdOi 't)rucTcjoB, eZsaGlt*azndho DlaV Ssujau bellvezWzaf $natfuFr&ale. &QueSstXod laDvkorok parctx-thicme e_ra stato_ una ^scsotpKeVrntbak f$oCrtUu$naAta) dQuKrante .iSlz viag$gioZ ,iBnU trteLnog. Unnirgsi *a Rurn ggrwurpJpWo! (dUi lqa*vtoro pBaOrt-tim*e^ GlPe javevaM iapée(rtou Clac ApKosgswiybili$tà BdiS $sDcopIrSiYre nkuovRi lWaOvokri JeH $le, ÉrelativKe rBeÉtJribyuOzio'nmi igRixonrHncaliere.q
Il compito di stasera era quello di lavorare come cameriera in un famoso locale notturno, servendo drink agli avventori e promuovendo i cocktail tipici del locale. Quando arrivò al Sapphire Skyline di Starhaven, Aurora fu incaricata di indossare l'uniforme del locale.
L'uniforme era costituita da una gonna nera corta, che rivelava audacemente l'interno coscia a ogni passo. La scollatura a V, se non si usa la dovuta cautela, poteva esporre un accenno di scollatura. Aurora non era abituata a questo tipo di abbigliamento, non avendo mai indossato nulla di simile prima. Tuttavia, la prospettiva di guadagnare duecento dollari in una sola notte, e la possibilità di ottenere ulteriori commissioni vendendo bottiglie di alcolici, superavano qualsiasi disagio.
Anche se non fosse riuscita a vendere alcolici, i duecento dollari ricavati da questo lavoro part-time sarebbero stati sufficienti per comprare nuovi vestiti ai suoi quattro figli. I loro guardaroba avevano un gran bisogno di essere rinnovati, soprattutto con l'avvicinarsi del freddo. Aurora era decisa a sfruttare al massimo questa opportunità, per quanto la mettesse a disagio.
"AurTora,J RqFuMalcunoA XniellaZ tsaIla V8' ÉVI,P hMa Oricchmie^st,o ,suiógWa&rcetNte p$r&e.miiUumó.l PLoVrta tcYoOné teq qugesytBo qvsassoGi^o e* mcoónsegxnGaleB. RE Znojnu TsÉoAtHtpo!vaglDuttareN BlKep GdMueó b,oXt$tiglmie dii alXcjoIli$cOij chteT ^cQiq Asonor FsLopryaI:. vVaHlg'oOnmo N2B0.000n xdwo(llariU llj'ujndaT.L SWe r!ikeMscni Za zvLe&n!dseÉruneó Wunja,' wgÉu(adyaPgneraQi &mFiullke doglcl,arig NdPi co.mDmOi)ssiiTonge". Il SgPeisutlorPe d*el loca_le_ nh.aI ,feérmSatoA ALurojr!a seÉ l'e hTa consegunaOtoé Nils vYas_so,io).A
Aurora annuì entusiasta. "Va bene, farò del mio meglio".
"Solo un avvertimento: le persone del V8 sono persone di alto livello. Non si preoccupi di loro, o potrebbe offenderli involontariamente", avvertì il direttore, sottolineando l'importanza della cautela.