Chapter 1 — Arrival and Assignments

Emma

The warm, late-afternoon light of Rome spilled across the cobbled streets, gilding the ancient city in gold. Emma Carter tightened her grip on the strap of her leather satchel as she maneuvered through the bustling Piazza di Fiori Market. Vendors hawked their wares with melodic cries, their stalls bursting with vibrant produce and antique trinkets, while tourists snapped photographs of vividly colored umbrellas stretched overhead. The energy of the Eternal City was intoxicating, and her heart raced—not with excitement, but with nervous anticipation. This was it. The opportunity she had worked for her entire career. The culmination of years of study, sacrifice, and sleepless nights.

She adjusted her satchel, its weight digging into her shoulder, and quickened her pace. She had arrived in Rome only hours earlier, pausing just long enough to drop her luggage at a modest rental apartment. There was no time to waste. Her internship at the Roman Museum of Antiquities wasn’t just prestigious—it was critical. If she succeeded, her place in the archaeological world would be cemented. If she failed... well, Emma didn’t allow herself to linger on that thought.

As she strode past a flower vendor, the faint scent of lavender mingling with the city’s warm air, her thoughts drifted briefly to her father. She could almost hear his voice, recounting stories of ancient civilizations in his classroom, his passion for history illuminating every word. Her ambition to unearth the past had been born in those moments, seated beside him as he spun tales of artifacts and forgotten worlds. Now, she was here, at the threshold of making those stories her own. She couldn’t let herself falter—not for him, and not for herself.

The museum loomed ahead, its sandstone façade majestic yet unassuming. Intricate carvings of laurel wreaths and mythical figures adorned the building, their details catching the soft light. Emma stopped at the base of the broad steps, taking a moment to steady her breathing. For as long as she could remember, she had dreamed of walking these halls, of being part of something greater—unearthing the secrets of the past to preserve them for the future. Squaring her shoulders, she ascended the steps, her sturdy boots clicking against polished stone.

The massive wooden doors swung open, revealing the cool, hushed interior. The scent of aged parchment, polished wood, and faintly lingering lemon wax enveloped her. Her chest tightened, a mix of exhilaration and trepidation swelling within. Before she could fully lose herself in the museum’s grandeur, a deep, authoritative voice pulled her back.

“Emma Carter?”

She turned sharply to see Dr. Alessandro Moretti approaching. His tall, commanding figure moved with the assurance of someone who had long mastered this domain. Salt-and-pepper hair framed a face marked by sharp, dark eyes that seemed to assess her in an instant.

Emma straightened her posture, summoning her confidence. “Dr. Moretti,” she said, extending a hand. “Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I’m honored to be here.”

His handshake was brief but firm. “Your work speaks for itself, Miss Carter. That’s why you’re here. But make no mistake—this internship demands excellence. Anything less will not suffice.”

“I understand,” Emma replied, her voice steady. “And I won’t let you down.”

Moretti’s lips curled into the barest hint of approval as he gestured for her to follow. They moved through the museum’s grand halls, where glass cases held ancient urns, mosaics, and bronze statues, each illuminated by soft, strategic lighting that made the artistry seem almost alive. Yet, Emma’s focus was fixed on Moretti, his smooth baritone echoing as he spoke.

“I’ll get straight to the point. There’s a task I need you to undertake. It’s ambitious, complex, and—frankly—dangerous. But if you succeed, it will do more than secure your place here—it will establish your reputation beyond question.” He glanced over his shoulder, his penetrating gaze seeking her reaction.

Emma’s pulse quickened at his words, though she kept her expression neutral. “Dangerous” was not what she had expected to hear, but she refused to shy away. “What kind of task?” she asked.

“La Statua Aurelia,” Moretti said, his voice dropping slightly, as though the name itself carried a weight that demanded reverence. “A rare Roman statue tied to a legendary secret order. Its existence has long been debated in academic circles, and its true significance is still a matter of speculation. However, its rediscovery would not only rewrite history but also attract considerable... attention.”

A flare of recognition lit in Emma’s mind. “La Statua Aurelia,” she repeated. The name was whispered with awe in lectures and symposiums she had attended. Some believed it to be an emblem of enlightenment, others a tool of power wielded by a shadowy order during Rome’s golden age. “Finding it could redefine our understanding of Roman history.”

“Yes,” Moretti said gravely. “But it could also fall into the wrong hands. There are those who seek it for reasons far removed from preservation or discovery. That’s why you’ll need to tread carefully.”

Emma nodded, her thoughts already racing. “Do we have any leads to begin with?”

He didn’t answer immediately, leading her instead toward a locked door marked “Restricted Access.” Swiping a keycard, he opened the door to reveal a narrow staircase descending into shadow. “This is where you’ll start.”

They descended into a dimly lit corridor lined with reinforced doors. The air was cool and smelled faintly of old paper and stone. Moretti stopped at one of the doors, unlocking it to reveal a small conference room. A man sat inside with his back to them. At the sound of their footsteps, he turned.

Emma’s stomach tightened. Tousled sandy blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and an air of disheveled charm. She knew who he was before Moretti even spoke.

“Miss Carter, meet Luke Bennett. He will be your partner on this assignment.”

Emma blinked, fighting to keep her expression composed. “Partner?” she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

“Yes,” Moretti said curtly. “Mr. Bennett brings invaluable expertise in art history and unconventional problem-solving. His skills will prove vital.”

Emma’s hazel eyes flicked to Luke, who leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. “Try to hide your enthusiasm, Carter. I’m better company than you think.”

Emma’s jaw tightened, but she forced herself to remain professional. “This is serious work, Bennett. I hope you understand that.”

“Completely,” he replied smoothly, his tone laced with mock sincerity. “That’s why I’m here.”

“That’s enough,” Moretti interrupted, his voice cutting through the tension. “You don’t have to like each other, but you do have to work together. This mission is bigger than either of you. Understood?”

Emma swallowed her retort, nodding stiffly. Luke merely shrugged, though his eyes gleamed with amusement.

“Good,” Moretti said. “Your first task is to familiarize yourselves with the museum’s restricted archives. Records there may point to the statue’s whereabouts. Report back to me tomorrow with your findings.”

With that, he strode out, leaving the room in a charged silence. Emma stood rigid, her mind a swirl of irritation and unease. Luke, however, seemed perfectly at ease as he broke the silence.

“So,” he said, tilting his head. “Looks like you’ve drawn the short straw.”

Emma’s gaze snapped to him. “If you’re here to redeem yourself, I suggest you take this seriously. I won’t let your mistakes jeopardize this mission—or my career.”

For a fleeting moment, something flickered in Luke’s expression—something that resembled doubt. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his ever-present smirk. “Noted, Professor Perfect. Try not to let your perfectionism slow us down.”

Emma clenched her fists but refused to rise to his bait. Turning sharply, she headed for the door. “Be ready at eight tomorrow,” she called over her shoulder. “I won’t wait for you.”

Luke’s soft chuckle followed her as she exited, sending a ripple of frustration down her spine. This was going to be a long assignment.

Emerging into the golden light of early evening, Emma paused to take a deep breath. The stakes were higher than she had anticipated, the road ahead more fraught. She had come to Rome ready to face the challenges of the past, but nothing had prepared her for the danger of the present—or the one person standing in her way. Yet, no matter what—or who—threatened her success, she would not falter. She would uncover the secrets of La Statua Aurelia.

Failure was not an option.