CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Golden light fades into twilight as Luca and I walk along the cobblestone path winding through Golden Paw. The old European town is quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. The quaint houses with their ivy-covered walls and softly glowing windows seem to watch us with an air of ancient wisdom.
"Luca," I begin, my voice barely louder than the whisper of my footsteps, "there's something we need to talk about."
He turns towards me, his golden blonde hair catching the dying embers of sunlight, and those familiar blue eyes search mine for clues. An unspoken worry creases his brow.
"Is everything okay?" he asks, a tenderness in his tone that tightens my chest.
I draw in a deep breath, feeling the weight of what I'm about to reveal. "It's For
