Elizabeth's POV

I hastily tugged at my blouse, wiping the beads of perspiration that trickled down my face. The heat enveloped me, not scorching but relentless enough to make my skin prickle with discomfort. In that moment, retaliation felt out of reach; my cheeks burned, and all I craved was a splash of icy water to soothe the sting.

I darted to the counter, fanning my face with my hand in a desperate attempt to cool down. “I need water, please!” I called out, my voice laced with ...