Elena’s POV

And just like that, he was gone.

The sound of running water filled the background as I stood frozen in the middle of the room. My eyes drifted toward the cup he had left behind. Steam still curled from it, faint under the dim light.

Before I could stop myself, I reached for it.

The porcelain was warm against my fingertips. I lifted it slowly and took a cautious sip.

Bitterness hit my tongue first. Not harsh, refined. The kind of bitterness that came with expensive leaves ...