Chapter 13: Shadows in the Alley

That night, Havana erupted—rebels launched a brazen attack on a Spanish patrol, and the city’s backstreets became a battleground. Michael, following a lead on a rebel courier, found himself in a maze of alleys, ducking gunfire and evading Spanish patrols. He was nearly caught when a hand pulled him into the darkness—it was Rafael, Lucía’s brother.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, americano,” Rafael hissed. “You say you love my sister, but you bring death to our door.”