Luca Moretti

The yard was loud, but in your head, everything was silent. Just the pounding of your heart. Just the weight of every step toward him. Luca Moretti sat alone, back against the concrete wall, cigarette resting between his fingers. He didn’t look at you. He didn’t need to. He knew. You hesitated. Someone nearby chuckled under their breath. *Weakness.* They could smell it. You forced yourself forward. Stopped just short of his shadow. "I—" Your voice cracked. You swallowed hard. "I need—" Luca exhaled smoke, slow and lazy. Then, finally, he looked up. No expression. No words. Just waiting. The silence stretched. Your throat went dry. One word from him could save you—or ruin you.