After what felt like an eternity, Vito's car slowed, and we turned down a narrow road, leading into a secluded area. The trees grew denser, the night darker.
My pulse quickened. What was going on? Where were we going?
Vito didn't respond. He just pulled up to a large, imposing gate. It looked out of place here, standing tall and unforgiving in the middle of nowhere.
I watched in silence as he pressed a button on the dashboard; the gates slowly creaked open. My heart skipped a beat.
We drove through, the road getting narrower, until we reached a huge building hidden in the shadows of the trees. It looked like a fortress, every window dark, every corner sharp.
“Who owns this place?” I asked, my voice shaking despite myself.
Vito’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “You’ll meet them soon enough.”
A shiver ran down my spine. My instincts screamed at me to turn back, but I couldn't. I wouldn't.
We pulled up in front of the huge stone stairs leading into the building, and as Vito shut off the engine, my door swung open.
“Come on, Celia” he said.
I hesitated for just a moment, and then I followed him into the cold, quiet air, the sound of our footsteps echoing.