**Elena’s POV*

I stood in the center of the living room, and suddenly I couldn't breathe. "Welcome home, Ellie," Dante croaked. "I’ve been waiting for you."

The sound of his voice made my skin crawl. It felt like a cold hand sliding down my back, dragging me back to that dark cabin in the woods. I could almost smell the dust and fear again. But here, everything was different. Dante was the one on his knees. He was the one at my father's mercy.

Elario stepped toward Armando, his face filled ...