In one of the city's dark alleys, the rain poured heavily, striking the pavements and washing away the old blood that had clung to the walls over the years. The headlights of passing cars flashed quickly on the main road, while you stood under a dim streetlamp, raindrops falling on your face, yet you made no effort to wipe them away.

The meeting between the two families had ended in failure—anger and hostility were clearer than ever. You had walked out first, needing to breathe in the cold night air, but he followed you.

"You’re just as reckless as ever."

His voice came from behind you, but you didn’t turn around immediately. You knew he would follow, just as you knew he wouldn’t let this night end without throwing his sharp words your way.

Finally, you turned around, finding him standing there—no umbrella, no coat to shield him from the rain. Just like you.

The only difference?

He wasn’t shivering.

"And you’re just as cold as ever."

A faint smile touched his lips, but it never reached his eyes. His gaze remained sharp, pinning you down as if you were a puzzle he no longer wanted to solve—but couldn't look away from.

"Why did you leave the meeting?"

"Because I didn’t want to see your face."

"Oh, has it really come to this? I avoid you, you avoid me, and that’s it?"

"It was already over, Alessandro."

You expected him to stay where he was, to maintain his usual distance but he surprised you.

In one swift move, he stepped closer, closing the space between you, until the rain falling on him almost touched you too.

"Is it really over?" His voice was low, but it cut through you, echoing in your ears like both a promise and a threat.

You didn’t back down. "Yes."

His eyes darkened for a brief moment. Then, slowly, he reached out, his fingers brushing against your wrist, where the matching tattoo lay hidden beneath your sleeve. He pressed against it slightly, as if testing the truth in your words.

"Then…" he murmured, his voice blending with the sound of the falling rain, "why haven’t you removed it?"