Shadows of Naples: Code Lightning.

On the next morning, Sofia slowly opened her eyes. At first, everything around her was blurry, and the light from the window hurt her eyes. Her head was spinning, and only after a few moments did she realize she was in a hospital room. Her body felt heavy, and her side ached sharply. She tried to sit up but was immediately stopped by the pain from her wound. Clenching her teeth, she closed her eyes, trying to gather strength. Suddenly, she heard a soft sound nearby and turned her head. In the chair next to her bed sat Javier. He was close — too close — and she noticed the concern on his face, though he tried to appear calm. “Javier?” Her voice was weak, barely a whisper. He instantly stood and stepped closer, relief flooding his expression when he saw her awake. “Sofia…” he said softly, his tone full of deep relief. “Are you okay? How do you feel?” Sofia sighed, trying to shake off the heaviness in her body. “I’m fine,” she murmured, wincing. “Fine… just in pain. How did I get here?” Javier sat on the edge of the bed, watching her carefully. His eyes were gentle, though a trace of worry lingered there. “You saved me,” he said quietly, pausing before adding, “You pushed me out of the line of fire. The bullet hit you instead.” Sofia gave a faint smile, though her face betrayed the pain she was still feeling. “I couldn’t just let you…” she began, her voice faltering when her gaze met his. “…I couldn’t.” Javier leaned in closer, his tone softening even more. “I’m just glad you’re alright. But you shouldn’t have risked yourself like that.” Sofia felt a flicker of embarrassment, but her heart was racing under his gaze. “I couldn’t just stand there,” she replied quietly. He looked at her — a long, heavy look filled with emotion. He seemed about to say something, then stopped. Instead, he simply took her hand and squeezed it tightly. Sofia tried to find the strength to say more than simple thanks or explanations, but her heartbeat was too strong, her thoughts too scattered. She looked back at Javier — his eyes held such warmth that it made it even harder to speak. “Javier…” she began, her voice trembling but resolute. “I couldn’t just leave you. You’re… you’re important to me. More than anyone else. I couldn’t let anything happen to you. That’s why I did it. I covered you because… because I couldn’t lose you.” She took a shaky breath. “I… I love you.” Javier froze for a few seconds. His eyes filled with emotion, and for a moment he just breathed, as if trying to believe what he’d just heard. “Sofia…” his voice was low but filled with intensity. “I couldn’t lose you either. You’ve become more than just an ally to me. You’re…” He hesitated, his hands trembling slightly as he gently took hers. “I love you too, Sofia.” Her heart melted at his words. Warmth spread through her as she looked into his eyes — there were no more walls between them. For the first time, she felt truly open and real, standing before someone who felt the same. They stayed silent for a moment, their hearts beating in quiet rhythm. Sofia realized this wasn’t just words — it was love, real and undeniable. Javier leaned down and gently kissed her forehead, pouring every emotion into that single touch. Sofia smiled faintly, her body still aching, but her soul filled with warmth. “You’re not alone,” he whispered, resting beside her. “We’re in this together now. And I promise, I’ll never let anyone hurt you again.” Sofia felt his strength beside her, and that alone gave her courage. She met his gaze again, her voice soft. “I know, Javier. Thank you… for everything.” Their hands intertwined, and for a while, they just sat in silence — both knowing that everything had changed. The pain and danger felt distant now, because their bond had become unbreakable. But they also knew — this was only the beginning. Ahead of them lay more battles, but now they would face them side by side, and nothing could tear them apart. --- Sofia sat in her study at the estate, calmly sorting through documents, when the door suddenly burst open. Luca stormed in, his face full of worry and fear. “Sofia, are you alright? I was so worried!” He hurried over to her, scanning her as if to make sure she was really okay. Sofia looked up and smiled faintly, though she still felt the dull ache of her wound. Javier, who sat beside her, frowned but stayed quiet, waiting for Luca to calm down. “I’m fine,” she said softly. “Just still recovering.” Luca didn’t look convinced. He sat down across from her, his expression serious. “You know… this wasn’t random. The shooter — he must be connected to Alicia. She’s watching us. I’m sure of it.” Sofia and Javier exchanged a glance — something unspoken but deeply understood passed between them. “Alicia…” Sofia said quietly. “Of course it was her. She won’t rest until she makes us her enemies.” “An archer — that’s her style,” Javier muttered, brows furrowing. “She knows how to strike from a distance — how to scare, or destroy, without being seen.” Luca nodded. “Exactly. If she wants you dead, Sofia, this is her way. But… can we be ready for what’s next?” “We have to be,” Sofia said firmly, turning back to her papers. Determination returned to her voice. “For her, for her people, for everyone who hides in the shadows.” “You’re planning something again,” Luca noted, watching her expression. “You want to strike back?” Sofia glanced between him and Javier, her eyes burning with resolve. “We can’t just wait for Alicia to make her move. We need to act first. Otherwise, we’ll never be free.” She fell silent for a moment — her mind returning to the memory of the attack. She recalled every movement, every detail. Then suddenly, something clicked. Her eyes sharpened as she looked up at them. “I remembered something,” she said slowly. “The shooter — he had a tattoo on his neck. A lightning bolt. I’ve seen it before.” Javier and Luca exchanged tense glances. “A lightning tattoo?” Luca repeated. Sofia nodded. “It belonged to Lorenzo Riccardi. I know him. He used to be part of the Order.” Javier’s expression darkened. Riccardi — a traitor to the Order. His alliance with Alicia made him dangerous. “Riccardi…” Javier muttered through clenched teeth. Luca frowned. “If that’s true, then we need to prepare for the worst. Riccardi knows our weaknesses.” Sofia looked between them, her voice firm. “If he’s here, it means Alicia is close. We have to move — before she does.” “We’ll find him,” Javier said, leaning closer to her. “And I won’t let her break us. Not this time. This is personal now.”