The villa in Siena was cold and silent. The latest crime scene.
Santiago walked through the marble-floored corridor, his gloves stained faintly with powder. He examined the markings on the victim's skin: another symbol. This one resembled an ouroboros — a snake eating its own tail.
Bianca stood behind him, flashlight in hand. "It's the third one with this exact symbol. We're getting closer."
Santiago nodded, his mind working fast. "This isn't random. These families… they share something in their bloodlines. And someone wants them gone."
They moved room by room. Suddenly, a loud creak came from upstairs.
Bianca pulled her gun. "Did you hear that?"
Santiago signaled for silence. He drew his flashlight and walked toward the staircase, Bianca close behind. They climbed slowly, floorboards groaning under their weight.
As they reached the top, a figure darted past the hallway.
"Stop!" Bianca shouted, chasing after it.
Santiago followed, heart racing. They turned the corner—empty. No doors open, no windows.
Vanished.
Back in the hallway, Bianca caught her breath. "Whoever that was, they're watching us."
Santiago's jaw clenched. "And they knew we'd be here."
They regrouped at the scene. While packing equipment, Bianca turned to Santiago, voice softer.
"You know… you're different from most men I've worked with. Focused. Passionate. Honest."
He looked up, pausing. "You're talented, Bianca. I respect your work. But my heart is at home."
She stepped closer, eyes locked. "And if home starts drifting away?"
Santiago stepped back. "Then I fight harder to hold onto it."
A long silence followed. Then Bianca turned away, clearing her throat. "Let's get these symbols analyzed."
Later that night, back at home, Santiago sat on the couch with Amara, who rested her hand on her belly.
"I felt a flutter," she whispered.
He placed his hand over hers, smiling. "Maybe it's a girl. Maybe a boy."
Israel ran in with her drawing pad, shouting in Italian, "Papà, guarda! Una famiglia felice!"
He looked at the stick figures—him, Amara, Israel, and a small baby drawn inside Amara's belly.
For a moment, the weight of death and darkness faded. But Santiago knew the shadows were creeping closer.
And the killer wasn't done yet.