Elena's POV

I didn't know what peace felt like anymore until the plane wheels touched down in Lisbon and the world suddenly seemed slower, gentler, almost like it had been waiting for me to arrive. The moment I stepped out into the cool morning air, something in my chest loosened-like a knot I'd been carrying for months had finally surrendered.

I didn't tell anyone I was leaving. Not my mother, not my co-workers, and definitely not Damian. Especially not him. I didn't owe explanations ...