Eliana walked alongside Vinzo, sensing his turmoil.
"What's bothering you?" Eliana asked.
Vinzo's gaze drifted to the lake.
"Nothing, Eliana. Just memories."
Eliana's empathy stirred.
"You can trust me."
Vinzo's eyes searched hers, longing and pain flickering within.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
"Excuse me," Vinzo said, answering.
Eliana walked ahead, lost in thought.
Who was Vinzo, really?
As she turned, Vinzo's expression stunned her.
His face pale, eyes blazing with intensity.
"What's wrong?" Eliana asked.
Vinzo's mask slipped back into place.
"Nothing. Let's get you home."
As Vinzo walked Eliana home, his phone rang again.
" Ignore it," Vinzo muttered.
Eliana's concern grew.
"Vinzo, what's wrong?"
Vinzo's jaw clenched.
"Business."
The phone rang for the third time.
Vinzo answered, his voice low.
"What?"
A cold voice spoke on the other end.
"Vinzo, you've been...distracted."
Vinzo's eyes narrowed.
"Who is this?"
"Someone who knows your secrets."
Eliana's unease grew.
"Vinzo, who is it?"
Vinzo's gaze locked onto hers.
"No one."
The voice laughed.
"Eliana is lovely. A shame she'll suffer for your mistakes."
Vinzo's face darkened.
"Leave her out of this."
The line went dead.
Vinzo's eyes blazed with fury.
Eliana stepped closer.
"Vinzo, what's happening?"
Vinzo's mask slipped.
"You're in danger, Eliana."
Eliana's alarm grew.
"What kind of danger?"
Vinzo's jaw clenched.
"I'll handle it."
Eliana's determination sparked.
"No, Vinzo. Tell me."
Vinzo's eyes searched hers.
"You don't understand. This is my world, not yours."
Eliana stood firm.
"I want to know."
Vinzo's sigh was laced with resignation.
"There are those who would use you against me."
Eliana's eyes widened.
"Use me? How?"
Vinzo's voice dropped to a whisper.
"You're...connected to me now."
Eliana's mind reeled.
"Connected? What do you mean?"
Vinzo's gaze drifted away.
"Just trust me, Eliana. I'll keep you safe."
Suddenly, a figure watched from the shadows.
Vinzo's eyes snapped toward the figure.
"Get behind me, Eliana."
Eliana obeyed, her heart racing.
"Who is that?" she whispered.
Vinzo's stance relaxed.
"It's Kael, my cousin."
Eliana's curiosity grew.
"The one from the café?"
Vinzo nodded.
"The same."
Kael approached, a warm smile on his face.
"Vinzo, I see you're still keeping secrets."
Vinzo's chuckle surprised Eliana.
"Kael, what brings you here?"
Kael's eyes sparkled.
"I heard rumors about a certain someone."
Vinzo's gaze flicked to Eliana.
"Rumors?" Eliana repeated.
Kael's grin widened.
"About Vinzo's newfound interest."
Vinzo's flush deepened.
"Kael."
Kael held up his hands.
"Peace, cousin. I'm happy for you."
Eliana's cheeks warmed.
"Newfound interest?" she repeated.
Vinzo's eyes locked onto hers.
"Kael, stop."
Kael chuckled.
"Too late for secrets, Vinzo."
Eliana's curiosity grew.
"What's going on?"
Vinzo sighed.
"Kael's being dramatic."
Kael shrugged.
"Someone's got to keep you on your toes, cousin."
Vinzo's gaze softened.
"Thanks for checking in, Kael."
Kael nodded.
"I'll leave you two alone."
As Kael walked away, Eliana turned to Vinzo.
"What did Kael mean?"
Vinzo's expression turned guarded.
"Nothing important."
Eliana's eyes narrowed.
"Vinzo."
Vinzo's sigh was resigned.
"Kael's happy to see me...moving on."
Eliana's heart skipped a beat.
"Moving on?"
Vinzo's eyes searched hers.
"From my past."
Eliana's curiosity deepened.
"What happened in your past?"
Vinzo's mask slipped, revealing pain.
"Loss."
Eliana's empathy stirred.
"I'm sorry."
Vinzo's gaze drifted away.
"It's ancient history."
Eliana stepped closer.
"Vinzo, I'm here."
Vinzo's eyes snapped back, his gaze intense.
"You don't understand."
Eliana's determination grew.
"Help me understand."
Vinzo's face twisted.
"You'll run if you know."
Eliana stood firm.
"I won't run."
Vinzo's eyes burned with intensity.
"You promise that?"
Eliana nodded.
"I promise."
Vinzo's gaze held hers for a moment longer.
"I've lost everyone I've ever cared about."
Eliana's heart ached.
"What happened?"
Vinzo's voice cracked.
"My family...they're all gone."
Eliana's empathy overflowed.
"Oh, Vinzo. I'm so sorry."
Vinzo's face contorted.
"It's not just that. It's how they died."
Eliana's curiosity grew.
"How?"
Vinzo's eyes dropped.
"I'll tell you. But promise me..."
Eliana's voice was firm.
"I'll listen. I'll stay."
Vinzo's gaze locked onto hers.
"Promise me you'll trust me."
Eliana's promise was instant.
"I trust you, Vinzo."
Vinzo's eyes searched hers, as if seeking truth.
"Even when you're scared?"
Eliana's heart pounded.
"Especially when I'm scared."
Vinzo's face twisted.
"You will be. Soon."
Eliana's resolve strengthened.
"I'll face it with you."
Vinzo's gaze held hers, a silent understanding passing between them.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
Vinzo's curse was under his breath.
" Ignore it."
But the ringing persisted.
"Answer," Eliana urged.
Vinzo's hesitation was brief.
"Vinzo."
A harsh voice spoke on the other end.
"Time's running out."
Vinzo's jaw clenched.
"What do you want, Ryker?"
Ryker's laughter sent shivers down Eliana's spine.
"You know exactly what I want."
Vinzo's eyes locked onto Eliana's.
"Leave her out of this."
Ryker's tone turned sinister.
"Too late for that."
Eliana's fear spiked.
"Who's Ryker?" she whispered.
Vinzo's gaze reassured her.
"I'll handle this."
Ryker's voice dropped to a growl.
"Meet me at the old warehouse tonight."
Vinzo's response was instant.
"I'll be there."
The line went dead.
Vinzo's eyes burned with determination.
"I have to go."
Eliana's grip on his arm tightened.
"I'm coming with you."
Vinzo's expression turned firm.
"I won't put you in harm's way."
Eliana stood her ground.
"I'm already involved."
Vinzo's eyes narrowed.
"You don't understand the danger."
Eliana's voice rose.
"Explain it to me."
Vinzo's sigh was heavy.
"Ryker's...connected to my past."
Eliana's curiosity deepened.
"How?"
Vinzo's hesitation was palpable.
"He was once...an ally."
Eliana's eyes widened.
"What changed?"
Vinzo's face darkened.
"Betrayal."
Eliana's empathy stirred.
"Betrayal? What did Ryker do?"
Vinzo's gaze drifted away, his voice low.
"He destroyed everything I held dear."
Eliana's heart ached.
"I'm so sorry, Vinzo."
Vinzo's eyes snapped back, intense.
"Stay away from Ryker, Eliana."
Eliana's determination grew.
"I won't let you face him alone."
Vinzo's face twisted.
"You don't understand what you're getting yourself into."
Eliana stood firm.
"I'll face it with you."
Vinzo's gaze held hers, a mix of frustration and admiration.
"You're stubborn."
Eliana smiled.
"That's why you like me."
Vinzo's expression softened.
"Yes."
As they stood there, the shadows around them deepened, and Eliana felt an inexplicable shiver.