Chapter 366

• A plume of flame erupted toward the ring of trees enclosing us, crackling with an intensity that set the air ablaze. Just as suddenly, a violent gust of wind roared through the grove, sending the trees into a cacophony of creaks and groans as leaves and branches trembled in its wake. The flame hissed in protest, veering sideways as it sputtered into nothingness.
• "CARLO!" Sofia's voice sliced through the tension, startling Noemi, who shifted in her lap. Offering an apologetic smile, Sofia stood, brushing bits of grass from her gown before storming toward the grove's edge. There, a hundred feet away, stood Leonardo and Carlo, poised for yet another clash.
• "You know she's smitten when she's dodging the truth," Chiara remarked with a tut, prompting synchronized nods from both Dante and me.