Milan — Just before dawn
The cold cut like a knife as Luca and Vera sprinted through the narrow streets.
The slick cobblestones under their feet, cold sweat on their faces, breath coming in painful bursts as if even the air conspired against them.
Behind them, the hum of black cars prowled like hunting predators.
"This way!" Vera shouted, yanking Luca into an alley darker than the rest of the sleeping city.
No lights.
No witnesses.
Milan slept — or pretended to.
Their mission was clear:
Reach Giulio Moretti — and deliver the dossier before the city devoured them.
They rushed through alleys filled with trash, between crumbling buildings. An old woman wrapped in rags saw them flash past and quickly turned away.
They were invisible.
Or worse — not worth seeing.
At the corner of a warehouse street, they heard it again: heavy, urgent footsteps.
They were being herded like wolves driving their prey.
"If we can make it to Piazza San Babila, we stand a chance," Luca panted.
Vera nodded, saving her breath.
This was a race of endurance.
A fight against fear itself.
Suddenly, a door cracked open just ahead — a boy with nervous eyes and a cap pulled low over his head motioned them inside.
"Here! Quickly!"
Vera hesitated for a heartbeat.
Luca didn't.
He pulled her through.
The door slammed shut.
The world outside vanished — muffled footsteps pounding past.
Inside, the air reeked of oil, leather, and old smoke. An abandoned warehouse.
The boy spoke quickly:
"They're hunting you. Everyone knows. But some of us want to help. We're tired of these pigs."
Luca and Vera exchanged a glance.
There was hope hiding in the alleys.
Small. Fragile.
But real.
---
If you want Luca and Vera to find more allies in the shadows, drop a Power Stone — every spark of hope matters in their fight!