Chapter 36

• The morning sun crept over the horizon, casting long shadows across the safe house’s yard. Maya stood at the kitchen window, staring blankly at the forest beyond. The events of the past days played on a loop in her mind—the betrayal by Enzo, the relentless pursuit by Matteo, and the constant danger hanging over her children’s heads.
• She couldn’t take it anymore.
• She knew what she had to do, even if it meant breaking her heart. She would leave Country Z and start over somewhere far away. Somewhere Matteo couldn’t find them. Somewhere her children could grow up free from fear.