CHAPTER 2 MEETING THEM, S𝚊𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚊 V𝚒𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚜

My sleep didn't last long, I woke to Luca picking me up, cradling me softly to his body. My eyes met his, he noticed but didn't say anything about it, his steps softly cradled me back to sleep.

The rumbling sound of a moving car woke me up, a pink blanket swallowed me. I was tempted to bring it up over my head, hiding myself from the rest of the world. I saw Luca giving me a worried glance from the front seat before he turned his focus on the road again. The silence gave me comfort, for once I didn't have to worry about Evan or the witch that would throw glass on me if I didn't talk.

I let my eyes scan over my new found brother, tattoos covered his neck and arms. Like vines growing over an old castle. Luca broke the silence after a while ''Piccola, were almost there'' I nodded.

"D-do we... have more siblings?" I asked after a pause.

His eyes softened a little. "Four more brothers," he replied, glancing at me in the mirror.

"No sisters?" I asked, and the question came out barely above a whisper.

"No, just you," he said with a hint of a smile, as if amused by the idea.

I nodded and looked back out the window. A large estate rose in the distance, surrounded by thick, towering trees that hid it from view. It looked almost like something from a story, surreal and ancient. The car slowed as we approached tall gates that opened at our arrival, and as we drove in, I noticed people standing watch, dressed in black with guns at their sides. My heart quickened, and I looked down, fighting the instinct to shrink further under the blanket.

"It's just for safety, piccola," Luca said softly, noticing my reaction. His reassurance felt more comforting than I expected, though I didn't know why.

The car finally stopped, and I watched as he stepped out, speaking quietly with one of the men in black. Every so often, his gaze flicked back toward me, as if making sure I was still there, like he'd remembered something fragile he didn't want to lose. After finishing his conversation, Luca walked back over, opened the car door, and held out his hand to help me out. As I stood there, I suddenly remembered something crucial, something I'd left behind in the car.

"Luca..." I whispered, hesitating. He looked down at me, his brows pulling together. "Yes?"

"Could-d i ... have Bunny-y back?" I asked, almost embarrassed by how much I needed mystuffed Bunny. For a second, his expression softened, and without a word, hewalked to the back of the car, grabbing my faded yellow backpack. I managed asmall smile of thanks and quickly reached in, pulling out Bunny and holding itclose.



Once inside, I couldn't help but stare. The house was enormous—elegant with high ceilings, polished floors, and chandeliers that made everything sparkle in the warm light. I wasn't even sure how to make sense of all this wealth; it felt surreal, like something out of a magazine.

My thoughts were cut short by the unmistakable sound of loud video game effects echoing through the halls. Luca sighed, rolling his eyes as he called out, "Gli idioti, smettete di giocare e andate giù! Vostra sorella è qui, idioti. Giocate sempre," which I understood enough to translate as him telling his "idiot" brothers to get downstairs, I would never tell them I knew Italian. It was something I could use to keep myself safe. The stomping of footsteps thundered down the grand staircase, and before I knew it, four guys were standing in front of me, their eyes locked on me, like they weren't quite sure I was real.

It was hard not to shrink back a bit under their gaze, clutching Bunny a little closer. Luca noticed my hesitation immediately, placing a steady hand on my shoulder and pulling me gently to his side. It felt strange but reassuring, like he was making sure I wasn't lost in this whirlwind of new faces. "Hi," I murmured, trying to find my voice.

"She's so cute; can we keep her?" the youngest one, blurted out with a wide grin. "She's not a thing, James," another man scolded his youngest brother.

He moved forward me, extending his hand, his expression warm. "Hi, Gattina. I'm Theo," he introduced himself softly. I glanced up at Luca, hoping he'd somehow help me, and he gave a small, encouraging nod.

"That's Theo," Luca confirmed, gesturing to the boy still holding his hand out. With a little more courage, I gently shook Theo's hand, which seemed to satisfy him.

"James," the youngest piped up again, flashing me a big, eager smile. He looked a little too excited for his own good.

"Ace," said another with a nod, his tone calm and his face kind as he gave me a reassuring smile. He looked just a bit younger than Luca, though his eyes held the same steadiness.

"And Arthur," Luca said, motioning toward the last brother. Arthur stood at a slight distance, his jaw tense, and he barely acknowledged me before turning and walking off abruptly, his footsteps heavy as they disappeared down the hall. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd done something wrong, but Luca just kept his hand on my shoulder, a small squeeze that seemed to say, "You're okay."

"Come on," Theo said again, steering me further down the big hallway with his hand on my shoulder. The unexpected touch made me flinch, and for a moment, I thought I caught Luca's protective gaze from the corner of my eye. But just as quickly, I pushed the thought aside.

Theo guided me up a grand staircase and down a long, ornate hallway. The curiosity I'd been holding in finally slipped out, almost in a whisper. "Is Dad... home?"

Theo's easy smile faded for a moment, and then he forced it back, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "He's dead, Gattina." I stammered a quick apology, feeling my cheeks warm as I looked down. He gave a small nod, letting the moment pass without further comment as we reached a large white door at the end of the hall.

"This is your room, Gattina," he said, the nickname soft but certain, like it was here to stay. I stepped in slowly, taking in the elegant, floral wallpaper, the soft green accent wall with intricate wall trims, and the plush, cream-colored rug that centred the space. Against one wall, a beautiful bed was dressed in fresh linens. It was unlike anything I'd ever had—a space that felt safe, almost inviting.

"Wow," I muttered, barely able to believe my luck. I hope they want to keep me cause if not I'd do anything to stay in a nice room for once.

Theo chuckled, clearly pleased. "Glad you like it." He nodded toward me. "Dinner's at eight. I'll let you settle in, and one of us will come get you." With a final reassuring smile, he backed out of the room, closing the door softly behind him as he tapped at his phone.

As silence filled the room, I found myself finally able to breathe a little, Bunny still clutched tightly in my arms.

Bit of her bedroom :)











"Sabrina, dinner!" I'm not sure who yelled but one of them did, i'm so not ready for this.

Hi, back at it again. Hope you guys are already enjoying this book, and be free to give me some tips :) English is also not my first language but I'm trying, see you soon 😏!