Morning came slowly, filtered through the silver curtains of Mara’s room. For a moment, she almost forgot where she was—until her eyes landed on the fancy chandelier, the carved walls, and the endless ocean outside her balcony.

This place wasn’t home. It didn’t belong to her.

There was a soft knock at the door, almost shy.

“Come in,” Mara called.

Isla entered with a tray of breakfast. She moved carefully, her gaze lowered as if she were afraid to ...