Chapter 61

• That evening, I’d intended to visit Niccolo, some of the other warriors, and Elena, but exhaustion had other plans for me. Thankfully, my old rooms were still intact, and Livia only needed to send someone to bring fresh sheets and towels. There was an unexpected comfort in lying my head on a familiar pillow, and sleep claimed me almost instantly.
• In the morning, the sounds outside my door stirred me awake. It took only seconds to recognize Alessandro’s return, his voice unmistakable among the others. I even heard Edoardo’s familiar grumble, and to my surprise, felt a strange pang of fondness, as if I’d somehow missed his annoying comments. A grin split my face as I hurried to wash and change into something presentable. Livia had thoughtfully stocked my wardrobe with dark tunics, leggings, leather jackets, and comfortable boots, so I quickly dressed and headed outside.
• I half-expected to find Alessandro at his mansion, but to my surprise, they were all there waiting for me. Alessandro’s face lit up when he saw me, and before I knew it, I was wrapped in his embrace. Even Edoardo pulled me in for a quick hug before the reunion’s warmth faded, and I was ushered into a meeting. This meeting wasn’t like the others—it centered almost entirely around me.