ELENA

The kitchen was quiet when I stepped in, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only sound filling the space.

I grabbed a glass from the counter, filled it with water from the jug, and took a slow sip, letting the coolness settle in my throat. I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was until now.

With a quiet sigh, I placed the glass back down, but just as I was about to set it properly on the counter, soft footsteps echoed from the entrance.

I turned my head just as Lucia stepped into the ...