Chapter 15 – The Choice
Florence, Present Day
The grand hall pulsed with energy—time and space folding like fragile parchment. Beatrice and Matteo's forms shimmered, caught between worlds.
"You can stay," Beatrice said softly, "and live a life free of fear, but without the bond that ties us all. Or you can join us, rewrite the story, and risk everything—your past, your future, even your very selves."
Marco grasped Sofia's hand, eyes steady.
"Whatever we choose, we face it together."
Sofia looked at the shimmering figures before her—their pain, their passion, their hope—and then back at Marco.
"We can't run from this," she said. "Love like theirs doesn't die. It waits. It fights."
Beatrice smiled—a sad, fierce smile.
"Then be brave, as we were. The path will not be easy."
The room brightened with a radiant glow, and Sofia felt a surge of warmth and power coursing through her veins.
Their choice was made.