Chapter 82. A Hunting Game

MAXIMILIANO

Valle Astra, Italy

It was almost sunrise. The first faint light of dawn crept into the room and cast long, eerie shadows across my mother's oak table, reminding me of the hours I wasted in bed just tossing and turning. I was back in Mamma's house.

Not entirely by choice. Right now, it was more of a necessity. Dark thoughts wanted to consume me, their unforgiving grip chipping away at my peace of mind. I grabbed the cold steel of my handgun.

It glistened under the dim lights. Clean. Polished. Ready. Just waiting to be used.

I needed a distraction, so I took it apart. I cleaned every part meticulously, every disassembly and reassembly a ritual of focus and precision. It kept me preoccupied while I tried not to dwell on the anxious thoughts swirling in my sleepless mind.

The pistol lay half-assembled before me, a good reminder of my former life. Adreana was scared of what I might do with it, but I couldn't get rid of it. Not right now.