Night fell early across the DeLuca estate. The clouds were thick and low, smothering the sky in a muted gray that swallowed the last traces of daylight. The security lights cast long beams across the courtyard, each one cutting through the fog like a blade. Guards moved in tight formation, their radios crackling softly. Patrol dogs were being released. Drones buzzed overhead. The entire compound shifted into a new rhythm.
A rhythm of preparation.
A rhythm of war.
Luca stood on the balcony of his office overlooking the grounds. The cold air bit at his skin, but he remained unmoving, his gaze fixed on the shadows beyond the perimeter walls. His phone vibrated against the railing. Nico's name flashed on the screen.
Luca answered. "Report."
Nico's voice came through steady and clipped. "North gate secured. East patrol doubled. Sensors updated on the treeline. Cameras replaced. No blind spots."
"And the guards?"
"They know something is coming. But they do not know what."
