Secrets Don’t Stay Buried

Morning, But Not Quiet

Ariana wakes to the sound of glass breaking someone’s thrown a rock through the gate window with a note tied to it. Her mother, Sophia, picks it up silently, face pale. She says nothing, just walks away.

Ariana follows her into the sunlit kitchen.

Ariana:

What did it say?

Sophia flatly

It said: ‘Bloodlines bleed eventually.

Sophia brushes it off, but Ariana sees the tightness in her jaw. She knows her mother is scared. That means something’s coming. And it’s not small.

The Journal, Page Two

Ariana returns to her father’s study. She reads more of the leather-bound journal.

Victor’s Voice journal

The De Rossi name was once mine to crush. But mercy comes at a cost. If they ever rise again, remember: the war won’t knock. It will simply enter.

She flips to a sealed envelope inside the journal. It has her name on it. Inside? A photo of a younger Luca... and a red X over his face.

Secret Meeting in the Art District

Ariana texts Luca using the encrypted number he slipped her at the gala. They meet in a hidden art alley, where old murals fade behind graffiti tags. It’s raw and quiet.

Ariana:

Why was your face in my father’s kill list?

Luca chuckles softly

Straight to the point. I like that.

beat

Because your father tried to end my family. Twice. And mine never forgot.

Ariana steps closer, eyes sharp but unreadable.

Ariana:

So what are you doing with me, Luca? Is this revenge? A game?

Luca:

No. This is me trying to stop a new war before it starts. You’re not like him... but your blood is loud, Ariana. And there are people who want to make you bleed just to hear it scream."

Tension Brews

As they leave the alley, someone watches from a nearby rooftop. Camera clicks. A sniper rifle gleams in the sunlight. A voice over a comm says

Unknown Voice:

Target has made contact. Proceed with surveillance. she doesn’t even know she’s the key yet.

First Blood

Targeted

The Moretti estate is buzzing. More guards. Locked doors. Whispers of an informant inside the house. Ariana walks into the war room yes, the literal underground strategy room Victor once used during the height of his reign.

Sophia stands over a table with blueprints spread out. Her voice is sharp. Cold.

Sophia:

They’re watching us. The peace your father built? It was borrowed. Someone wants it back with blood.

Ariana grabs one of the printed surveillance photos tossed on the table. Her heart stops—it’s her and Luca in the alley.

Ariana:

They followed me.

Confrontation in the Rain

Cut to: a stormy rooftop. Rain pours. Ariana finds Luca leaning against the railing, looking out at the city.

Ariana breathless, angry

You knew they were watching.

Luca calm

I knew they were watching me. I didn’t know they were watching you, too.

Ariana:

Then why didn’t you warn me?!"

Luca stepping close

Because the second you’re warned you’re also involved. And once you’re in, there’s no walking away.

They’re inches apart now. The thunder rolls. The tension crackles. She’s breathing hard, soaked through, but doesn’t move.

Ariana:

So what now? You just keep saving me in secret and vanishing into the night?

Luca low

No. Not this time.

He kisses her. It's sharp, sudden, but there's something vulnerable underneath. Like he's afraid it might be the last time.

First Strike

Cut to a quiet night. Ariana returns home. The lights are off. Silent. Too silent.

Then BOOM. An explosion rocks the west wing of the Moretti estate.

Ariana is thrown to the ground, ears ringing, dust and debris falling from the ceiling. Sophia yells her name from somewhere. Glass shatters. Screams echo.

She gets up, cut and bloody, heart racing and that’s when she sees it: spray-painted on the blown-out wall in red

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