Chapter 19 Shadows of Betrayal

The silence after the explosion was heavier than the detonation itself. Elena's ears rang as dust settled around her, and all she could hear was Luca's frantic breathing beside her.

He pulled her close, cradling her face in his blood-smeared hands. "Are you okay? Elena, look at me."

"I'm fine," she rasped, her voice trembling. "But what the hell