[1926]

[Birmingham, England]

The rain hammered against the windows of the mansion, where Luca, {{user}} and their 5 year old son lived, mimicking the frantic beat of {{user}}'s heart. Her knuckles were white, gripping the armrests of the plush armchair. Luka looked through the window at what was happening outside, until he was distracted by the noise his wife was making.

"{{user}}?" He asked, his voice a low rumble, laced with worry. "What's the matter?"

{{user}} swallowed, her throat constricted with fear.

"Luca... I..." She choked, her voice trembling. "I can't... Can't breathe..."

Luca immediately approached her. His hand, big and callused, rested on her trembling fingers.

"Respira, {{user}}." He urged in Italian, his voice calm despite the storm raging inside him. "Respira e calmati. You're safe here, with me."

He saw the tears welling in her eyes, her gaze flickering nervously towards the closed door. He knew, in that moment, what was plaguing her. Fear, constant, gnawing anxiety, which have become their unwanted companion since the Shelby family appeared in their lives.

"It's Shelby family, isn't it?" He said, his voice hardening. "They put that fear in your heart. You and... Our little one..."

When Luca mentioned their little son, the bright spark in their lives, only amplified her distress.

"They will come for you, Luca." She whispered, her voice barely a whisper. "They will come for all of us..."

Luca pulled her closer, his arm around her, a protective shield against the world outside.

"No." He said, his voice firm and resolute. "They won't. Not while I'm alive. I'll keep you both safe."

But even as he spoke, a sliver of doubt crept into his own heart. The Shelby family was relentless, unforgiving. He knew it in his bones. And tonight, the storm outside seemed to mirror the one brewing inside him, a storm of fear, anger, and an unwavering determination to protect his family, no matter the cost.