Dr. Camilla Hart had settled into her luxurious hotel suite in Rome, the Eternal City's ancient history seeping into her bones. She and Adunni have been here for weeks now, working on the Artifact.
Though along the way Adunni had left to stay in Luca's mansion.
"Good morning, Camilla. Today, we explore the artifact's origins," Adunni said, her bright smile illuminating the room.
As they pored over ancient texts and visited local museums,rubbing minds together, Camilla's knowledge proved invaluable. Adunni's eyes widened as connections clicked into place. "You're a treasure, Camilla!, I'm so grateful you are here."
Dr. Camilla Hart, with her Italian heritage, navigated Rome's ancient streets with ease, her knowledge of the city's history and culture proving invaluable in their quest to understand the artifact. "Adunni, my Nonna used to tell me stories about Rome's rich history. It's wonderful to be back in the city, exploring its secrets," Camilla said, her eyes scanning the cobblestone streets.
As they walked, Adunni noticed Camilla's familiarity with the city. "Your Italian roots are showing, Dr. Hart! You seem to know Rome like the back of your hand."
Camilla smiled. "Thank you, Adunni! Growing up, my family would visit Italy often. I fell in love with the culture, history, and food. It makes researching the artifact so much easier."
Their footsteps led them to a hidden museum, tucked away in a centuries-old building. Inside, they discovered ancient texts and relics that shed light on the artifact's mysterious origins. Camilla's knowledge of Italian history and dialects allowed her to decipher the ancient texts, unlocking new secrets.
As they pored over the texts, Adunni leaned in. "Dr. Hart, your heritage is giving us a unique edge. We're piecing together the artifact's history like a puzzle."
Just as they were about to break for lunch, Camilla's phone buzzed. "Excuse me, Adunni. Ah, Dr. Patel! What's the latest?"
"Camilla, we've got another artifact in New York. Similar markings, different era. We need you to verify its authenticity," Dr. Patel said, her voice urgent.
Camilla's mind whirred. "I'll be there ASAP. Adunni, I have to fly to New York. Another artifact's been discovered."
Adunni's eyes sparkled. "Let me call Luca. His helipad can get you there faster."
Adunni swiftly made the call. "Luca. Dr. Hart needs to get to New York urgently. Can she use your helipad?" A brief pause. "Thank you, Luca. You're a lifesaver."
Camilla's gratitude overflowed. "Thank you, Adunni. You're a godsend."
DeLuca Estate – Helipad.
Dr. Camilla Harts zipped her field pack and handed Adunni a final stack of documents. "Your grandmother was brilliant. She knew things even the Old Wolves were afraid to speak of."
Adunni nodded. "Be safe in New York. I have a bad feeling Darius is watching all of us."
Camilla squeezed her hand. "He's watching. But so am I. And I've got teeth too, you know."
With Adunni's arrangements in place, Camilla boarded the helicopter, her mind racing with possibilities. The artifact's secrets awaited in New York.
She gave Adunni a smirk and turned to board the helicopter, her long coat flapping in the wind.
As the blades rose, Adunni felt it:
Camilla was walking into something dangerous.
---
DeLuca Estate – Luca's Private Wing, Midnight
The full moon hadn't yet risen, but her wolf was pacing inside her. Hungry. Restless.
She knocked on Luca's door.
He opened it shirtless, his scent already lighting fires in her blood.
"I couldn't sleep," she said.
He stepped aside. "Neither can I."
They stood in silence, the tension crackling. His hand brushed her wrist — and that was all it took.
Their mouths met in a rush. Weeks of restraint exploded between them. She tasted his hunger, felt his hands at her waist, pulling her in like he was trying to memorize her shape.
She kissed him back harder — fingers sliding under his waistband, nails dragging over the ridges of his stomach. He lifted her against the wall, her thighs wrapped around him.
"I could burn you," she whispered.
"I want the fire," he growled.
Clothes vanished.
He laid her out on his bed like a prayer, like a storm he had no power over.
And when they moved together — it wasn't just sex.
It was fate colliding with desire.
A promise sealed in heat and breath and bone.
---
Mission Site – Corsican Highlands
Sabine checked her weapon and rolled her eyes as Matteo grinned at her from behind the SUV.
"This is a recon mission," she said. "Not a vacation."
"Depends on who you're sharing the tent with," he winked.
She shoved a flare baton into his chest. "Stay focused. Or I'll tranquilize you myself."
Their banter faded when the forest turned silent. The smell of blood lingered — and something else.
Something old.
A gutted animal lay on the ridge ahead. Markings carved into the bark around it — glyphs Sabine hadn't seen since her rogue hunter days.
She tensed. "This isn't random. This is a warning."
Matteo moved closer, hand brushing hers. "You're shaking."
"I'm fine."
But she wasn't. She hated this place. Hated the way it reminded her of the people she used to be with. The people she left.
That night, when the storm hit again and they took shelter in the tent, she didn't stop Matteo when he pulled her close.
"You don't have to sleep alone," he whispered.
She didn't answer. But she didn't pull away, either.
---
DeLuca Estate – Adunni's Room, Later That Night
She pulled the last of her grandmother's journals from the secret compartment. Its pages smelled of time and fire.
One entry stood out — dated just before her grandmother died:
"The hybrid won't destroy the world. She'll rewire it. But only if the Flame accepts both her instincts and her pain."
"The bloodlines fear her not because she's strong — but because she can choose."
"She is the only one who can break the Alpha curse."
Adunni's fingers trembled as she read the last line:
"And the Fireborn must beware the one closest to her shadow."
---
Elsewhere – Darius's Hidden Stronghold
"She trusts her," Darius said, swirling dark wine in a crystal glass. "It's almost cute."
The woman in the shadows stepped forward, hood down.
Her face was familiar.
Too familiar.
Anya. One of Adunni's security detail. Quiet. Observant. Always two steps behind — but never truly gone.
"She'll never suspect me," Anya said.
Darius smiled. "Good. Because the closer you are to her… the easier it will be to strike."