Blood ties

ace where time seemed to stand still amidst the cobblestone streets and the rolling hills that surrounded it. But o

illed with the smell of freshly baked bread, wine, and the joy of those who loved her. Maria, dressed in a simple blue dress that accentuated her dark hair a

y sat together in the living room, savoring the last remnants of the evening. Her father, Antonio

s replaced with terror and chaos. Maria's father leaped to his feet, but he was shot down before he could reach for the old rifle he kept hi

the leader of the group, a tall figure with a cold, cruel sneer, stepped forward. He aimed his gun at

gasped, blood bubbling at

he house, her heart pounding in her chest, her mind struggling to process the horror she had just w

of her burning home. Tears streamed down her face, but even as grief and fear overwh