**Elena’s POV**
Stefano’s voice drifted from outside the door. “Elena. Come on, open it. I know you are in there.” His hand pressed the handle from outside, but it didn’t budge. He tried again, applying more pressure.
“Elena. I need you to open this door now!”
His voice sounded calm, and that was worse than if he’d shouted. That kind of calm meant he was already furious, holding it in. My stomach twisted, and I suddenly felt sick. I wiped my face roughly with the back of my hand and reached for the lock, my fingers clumsy and slow with dread. He pushed the door open with one hand, the wood crashing against the wall, and stepped inside. His jaw was clenched so tightly I could see the muscles twitch. His eyes were cold, colder than I’d ever seen them.
He marched directly to the center
