**Elena’s POV**
I couldn’t sleep all night.
I was up before dawn, pacing the cold floor barefoot, my stomach twisting with anxiety.
When I finally gathered the courage to face my father, I quietly slipped out of my room. My legs trembled so much I had to clutch the doorframe for support, hoping no one would notice how distraught I looked.
“Lena,” Lucia called softly from behind me. “Where are you going?”
“To see my father,” I mumbled, not looking at her.
She followed me, her heels clicking softly on the tiles. “Maybe you should wait,” she said. “He’s with Elario, discussing the wedding.”
I turned to look at her. “That’s exactly why I’m going now,” I said firmly.
Lucia paused, her hand at her side, and for a moment, I noticed a flicker in her eyes, possibly fear or simply concern, b
