Book 2: Chapter 93

Two weeks had passed since Antonio and Martina had disappeared into hiding, and the atmosphere in the Saviano mansion was heavy with tension and anticipation. The family had been on edge, holding their breath for any sign of improvement from Ares. His condition had been stable but unchanging, his body lying motionless in the bed as the days dragged on. 

Esmeralda had barely left his side since he moved his fingers. She had taken it upon herself to be his constant companion, sitting by his bedside day and night, speaking to him softly, recounting memories from their childhood, and willing him to come back to them. Her eyes were red from lack of sleep, her face pale, but she never wavered, her love for her brother giving her the strength to keep going.

The room was bathed in the soft morning light streaming through the drawn curtains. The soft beeping of the machines was the only sound that filled the room. Esmeralda sat in her usual chair next to Ares, her head resti