章 21: When walls crumble.

"Evelina," Leone said, his voice low and strained. "You're drunk."

"I know," she mumbled against him, her voice muffled and soft. "I know I've had wine, but... but I know what I'm saying. I mean it. I don't want to be alone tonight. I don't want to… to be alone."

Her arms tightened slightly around him, and he could feel her trembling, whether from the wine or something deeper, he wasn't sure. Her vulnerability tugged at something buried deep within him, a part of himself he had tried to suppress.

Leone hesitated before sighing deeply, his arms hovering awkwardly before he rested one hand lightly on her back. "You're impossible. Nightmares aren't real. Stop acting like a child. Let me go and go back to your room," he muttered.

"No!" Evelina tightened her hold, refusing to let go. "I'm not acting like a child. I just—" her voice cracked, stubborn but fragile. "I just… I need you to listen. Just this once. Please."