It was a peaceful Saturday morning in their cozy Italian home. The soft light filtered through the curtains, casting golden halos around Luna's crib. Amara gently rocked the baby while Israel drew little hearts and stars on the kitchen table.
Santiago brewed coffee, trying to pretend he wasn't still haunted by the call from Rome.
"Papá," Israel said, holding up her drawing. "This is you, me, mamá, and Luna. We're superheroes!"
Santiago smiled, kneeling down to kiss her forehead. "We are, mi amor. Especially you."
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Amara looked up. "Are you expecting someone?"
"No," Santiago said, instantly alert. He walked to the door, cautiously opening it.
Standing on the porch was a woman he hadn't seen in months.
Emma.
She looked different—tired but determined. "Hi, Santiago," she said, eyes flicking to Amara behind him. "I need to talk to you. It's about the call."
Amara's expression froze. Israel clutched her dad's leg. Luna stirred softly in the background.
"I thought you were gone for good," Santiago said, stepping outside to speak with her.
Emma glanced around. "I was. Until I found something I couldn't ignore. Santiago, the person behind that call... it's someone we both thought was dead."
Santiago's jaw tightened. "Who?"
Emma handed him a flash drive. "You're not going to believe this. But it's all here. Audio, video, documents. I didn't know who else to trust."
Santiago took the drive. "Why now?"
Emma hesitated. "Because they know you're alive, Santiago. And they know about your family."
From inside, Amara was watching.
That night, after the girls were asleep, Santiago sat with Amara in their room. He told her everything. About the call. About Emma. About the drive.
"You promised me peace," Amara whispered.
"I know," Santiago said, holding her hand. "But maybe peace only comes once the darkness is gone for good."
Amara was silent, but finally nodded. "Then do what you have to do. But promise me—you'll come back."
Santiago kissed her gently. "I swear it."
He looked down at Luna's crib, where she slept quietly, unaware of the storm about to rise again.
But Santiago Morales had something new to fight for now.
And nothing would stop him.