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**Chapter 59: The Unspoken Promise**
Carlo stood at the edge of the vineyard, his lantern casting a warm glow against the dense foliage of the lavender bushes. The ornate box rested securely in his hands, its contents carefully reassembled after his moments of reflection in the chapel. Emilia's words echoed in his mind, and the weight of her warnings seemed heavier than ever.
He knew the siblings were closing in on the truth, their determination to uncover the vineyard's secrets relentless. And while he admired their resolve, he couldn't help but fear what they would find—and what it would cost them.
Pacing through the grove, Carlo weighed his options. He could reveal the journal and map, guiding the siblings toward the chamber near the river. But doing so would place them in danger, exposing them to the vineyard's delicate balance and the power tied to its roots. Or he could continue to misdirect them, protecting the legacy even if it meant deceiving those who trusted him.
"I swore to protect them," Carlo muttered, his voice low. "But how do you protect someone from a truth they're determined to find?"
As he turned the corner of the grove, he saw Pietro leaning against the old fountain, his expression unreadable. Carlo's grip on the box tightened as he approached, his movements deliberate.
"Following me now?" Carlo asked, his tone sharp.
Pietro smirked, though there was little amusement in it. "Just curious about what you're hiding this time."
Carlo stopped a few paces away, his gaze steady. "The same thing I've always hidden," he replied. "The truth that you don't seem to understand."
Pietro's smirk faded, replaced by a shadow of bitterness. "I understand perfectly," he said flatly. "But you don't see what it's done to you. Guarding secrets, carrying promises—you're just another pawn in a game you'll never win."
Carlo stiffened at Pietro's words, his resolve sharpening. "I made a promise—to Emilia, to this vineyard. And I won't let you or anyone else destroy what she fought to protect."
Pietro stepped closer, his voice colder now. "You think you're the only one who cares about her legacy? You're not. But unlike you, I'm willing to face the truth, no matter what it brings."
Carlo's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. The tension between them was palpable, the weight of their shared history pressing heavily on the moment. Finally, Carlo stepped back, his voice steady but laced with emotion.
"If you want the truth, Pietro, then you'll find it," Carlo said quietly. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
With that, Carlo turned and disappeared into the shadows, the ornate box held tightly against his chest. His next move was clear: he would face the chamber near the river himself, ensuring that its secrets remained guarded—even if it meant confronting the full truth of the vineyard's legacy.
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