Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 147

Principessa

Nico’s POV

“Nico?“The word cuts through everything–the storm, my adrenaline, the tension. My chest tightens. My brain freezes for half a second.

But before I can speak, she’s launching herself at me. Arms wrapping around me, tight, desperate.

Aurora.

The rain soaks through my hair, stinging my eyes, but I barely notice. Aurora is trembling against

me, clinging like I’m the only thing holding her together. Her smaller fists dig into my jacket, nails

pressing into my ribs as she shakes with every sob.

“Why… why did you take so long?!” she cries, voice cracking, wet and desperate. “I… I thought… I thought you all left me! I thought I was… I was never going to see you again!“Her words hit me

harder than any bullet ever could. I can feel the panic radiating off her in waves. Her wrists—

bruised, raw from chains–press against me, tiny reminders of everything she’s endured.

“I… I was so scared, Nico!” she sobs, shaking harder. “They… they hurt me! They… they hurt me so much! I thought… I thought I was going to die here! I freeze for a moment, chest tight, gun still raised, not knowing what to do–something inside the screams for me to push her away. Don’t let her get close. No. You hate her, remember?You hurt her, remember? You ruined her, remember?But as if my heart senses my struggle, a memory flashes through me, more painful and sharp than the lighting shattering the sky.Rain taps against the window outside as warm smell of cocoa fills the kitchen. Mamá’s arms wrap around me as Papá sits across from us, looking through his newspaper.

“I want a sister,” I blurt, my small fists clenching.Mama chuckles softly. “A sister, Nico? What would you do with a sister, hmm?“I sit up a little, eyes bright. “I’d teach her to climb trees like I do! And we could play tag in the yard! And… and I’d show her how to hide snacks from the others, and we’d make our own secret fort in the garden. And I keep her safe… always!“Papa laughs, shaking his head. “That’s a long list, Niccolo. Are you

sure?

a

can pick her up if she falls. And I’ll tell her dinner, and-“I keep going, almost babbling,

“I am! She’d have to be small, smaller than me, so stories at night, and she’d always sit with me first “and we’d run to the park, chase every dog, feed the birds, and I’d never let anyone hurt her!“Mama wipes a smudge from my cheek, laughing softly. “Oh, Nico… you really want a sister, don’t you?”

“Yes! I do!” I hug her tight. “I’d take care of her for ver!“Papa pulls me onto his lap too, holding us both. “Well… someday, Nico, maybe the world will give you one.

“I grin up at him.

“Well, when I do, she’ll be a princess. And I’ll be the prince to her princess.

Because, little Nico’s wish is here, right in front of me.

I don’t know why it took me so long…

I was angry. I was sad. But….She buries her face into my chest, shaking. “I was so scared… I didn’t know if I’d ever see you… I thought… I thought everyone left me…”

Her shock is evident, because she keeps repeating the same things as if making sure I’m really hearing them.Hearing her.

“I hear you,” I whisper, throat tight. I hold her small face in my hands as her tear filled eyes meet

mine.

“I hear you… and I’m here now, Aurora.

“Her hands clutch my coat as if letting go would make everything vanish. And for the first time in… too long, I let myself feel the weight of her fear, her pain, and the relief of finally finding her.My little princepessa.

“L’ho promesso. Il tuo principe è qui.”

(I promised. Your prince is here)