As if the gods had finally heard my silent, unhinged prayers, the torment of the isolation broke. On the tenth day, the lock clicked, but instead of a maid with another silver tray, a towering, stone-faced guard stood in the doorway. He didn't say a word, just gestured for me to follow him.
My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird as he led me down the twisting, sterile hallways of the estate, straight toward Augustino’s private office. By the time we reached the heavy double doors, my palms were slick with sweat. I took a shaky breath, trying to steady my trembling knees.
Before the guard could even knock, a deafening bang echoed from inside the room.
I flinched violently, my entire body shaking as a cold sweat broke out across my neck. I knew that sound. I knew it so inti
