CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY SIX – THE TUNNELS OF ROME

"Where does this lead?" she whispered to Caporelli. The old man's voice was grim. "With any luck, to safety. But we're not out of the woods yet, kid. Not by a long shot." As they moved through the ancient tunnels beneath Rome, Joan's mind raced with questions. But for now, all that mattered was survival. They had found each other again, against all odds. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. The tunnel seemed to go on forever, twisting and turning beneath the streets of Rome. Joan's legs ached, and her lungs burned with each breath of the stale, musty air. But she pressed on, driven by the warmth of Alessandro's hand in hers and the steady presence of Caporelli at their backs. Finally, after what felt like hours, they emerged into the cool night air. Joan blinked, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. They were in a secluded courtyard, surrounded by high walls covered in ivy. Caporelli closed the hidden entrance behind them, his face grim in the moonlight. "W