The Rebel's Heart

Chapter Three

The room was cold and silent, save for the soft hum of breaths as the other captives slept. Kara’s hands strained against the bindings around her wrists, her eyes fixed on a jagged c***k in the windowsill. She inched closer, positioning herself so the edge pressed into the rope. Desperation fueled her movements, each scrape fraying the fibers more and more.

Just a little more, she told herself, her jaw clenched, breath shallow.

The door swung open abruptly, flooding the dim room with harsh light. A guard stepped in, freezing as he caught her mid-escape attempt, but he recovered quickly, lunging toward her. Kara shifted instinctively, using her body weight to slam into his legs, throwing him off balance. She twisted, breaking her hands free, and swung the loosened rope, the rough fibers slicing through the air as the guard stumbled back.

“What the...” he grunted, regaining his balance. Anger replaced his surprise, and he lunged again, catching her shoulder and wrenching her back as she struggled.

"Enough," a calm voice cut through the chaos, halting them both.

Kara looked up, pulse racing, to see a man leaning against the doorframe, observing the scene with a raised eyebrow and a hint of amusement. He was tall, built like Raffaele, but his demeanor was entirely different — he was less arrogant, more controlled, as though he found the situation vaguely entertaining.

"Impressive," he murmured, straightening and motioning to the guard, who released Kara with a glare. “But you’re wasting your energy.”

Kara assessed him with unbarred malice, her breathing ragged. “Who are you?”

Ignoring her animosity, the man gave a slight smile, stepping into the room. “Name’s Matteo, I’m Raffaele’s half-brother.” His voice was smooth, edged with charm.

The guard edged closer, as if to protect him from her, but he held up a hand to the guard, signaling him to back off. “Listen, you’ll only make things harder for yourself if you pick fights with every face you see here.”

Kara’s silence was icy, her eyes defiant.

He chuckled softly. “I’m not here to intimidate you. Actually, I heard about the scene on the road.” His smile widened, faintly amused. “It’s not often someone stands up to Raffaele. And a woman, no less. Wish I’d seen it myself.”

She offered a wary glance, the faintest twitch of a smile escaping her control. He smiled back, then tilted his head, his tone dropping to a warning. “But let me give you some advice. Going forward, you might want to stay under the radar. My brother doesn’t forgive easily, and he’s not known for patience.”

Kara’s jaw tightened. “Thanks for the advice,” she said coldly, unyielding.

“Suit yourself,” Matteo shrugged. “But remember, I might be the only one here willing to make your stay bearable. I’ll do what I can —not that it’ll change much. Raffaele’s rules don’t bend for anyone.” He glanced over his shoulder, sensing someone approaching. “Get some rest. Tomorrow could be… challenging.”

Kara watched him leave, the guard following suit, and took a shuddering breath, her mind racing. She’d just glimpsed a potential ally, even if a tenuous one —but trust was a luxury she couldn’t afford.

A soft whimper broke the quiet. Kara turned and saw the small figure of the girl curled up in the corner, her face hidden in her hands. Kara crossed the room, her movements slow as she knelt beside the girl. “Hey,” she whispered, gently placing a hand on the child’s shoulder. “It’s okay. I’m here.”

The girl looked up, eyes red-rimmed and fearful. “Hush, darling,” Kara murmured, rocking her gently. “What’s your name?”

The girl’s voice was barely a whisper. “Isabella.”

Kara managed a faint smile. “Isabella. That’s a beautiful name. Where are you from?”

“St. Mary’s Home in Modena,” Isabella said, sniffing. “The director handed me over to the bad men. Said I was too old to stay in the foster system.”

Kara’s heart twisted, rage simmering beneath her calm exterior. She wrapped an arm around the girl, a quiet resolve anchoring them both. “I’m going to protect you, Isabella,” she promised softly. “You’re not alone. Not anymore.”

Isabella’s small fingers tightened around Kara’s arm, her face buried in Kara’s shoulder. “I don’t make trouble,” she whispered. “I just… miss my sister Lily.”

Kara’s voice softened. “Lily? What happened to her?”

Isabella’s voice trembled. “Some men took her. Said she was going to a new family, but I don’t think that’s true. I don’t think I’ll ever see her again.” She looked up at Kara, tears shimmering in her eyes. “Will I see my sister again, Miss?”

Kara’s jaw clenched, her hand trembling slightly as she stroked Isabella’s hair. “We’ll find her, Isabella. I promise. We’ll both get out of here, and I’ll make sure you’re safe.” Her voice was steel beneath the gentleness, masking the turmoil brewing inside. Isabella nodded and burrowed deeper into Kara’s shoulder. Soon, her even breathing signaled she’d drifted to sleep.

“That’s a bold promise you just made to the child.”

Kara looked up to see Marta watching her, her expression soft. Kara held her gaze, silent.

Marta let out a low chuckle. “Have it your way.” She turned away, her voice drifting back. “But don’t get too attached. This place has a way of breaking even the strongest promises.”

As the room settled into silence once more, Kara’s face hardened. Whatever it took, she would get them out of this. And she would make those responsible pay.