Chapter 17 Kindness

• L A N A
• Daniella leads the way without saying a word, and I follow a few steps behind her, my shoes quiet against the smooth floors, my body still moving on borrowed energy. The halls stretch long and clean, similar to the looming luxury of Ezio’s estate and just as intimidating. The only difference is that this place feels lived in, functional and purposeful... and less like a prison. The lighting is soft and warm, recessed into the ceiling instead of hanging over us like a display, and the black walls are decorated with modern art that I don't recognise but instinctively understand costs more than I could ever imagine affording.
• No one stops us, no guards step into our path, and no eyes linger too long. I keep waiting for something to happen, for a voice to bark an order, for hands to reach for me, for the familiar tightening in my chest that comes when I know I am about to be told what to do... but none of that comes. Daniella simply walks, confident and unhurried, as if this is just another night and not the aftermath of bloodshed and chaos.