The morning came quiet.
Elena sat on the edge of the bed, her hands shaking. She hadn’t slept. Her eyes were red, her face pale.
Every second that passed made her more sure — she couldn’t stay here.
She looked at the window. It was wide but locked. Too high to jump.
The door was the only way out.
She took a deep breath and stood. The silk gown she wore felt like a prison. She needed to move fast.
She walked to the dresser, found a small pin beside the perfumes, and picked it up.
“Come on,” she whispered. “Work.”
She moved to the door and knelt. The lock was strong, but not impossible. She pressed the pin inside and turned it carefully. Her fingers trembled. Sweat ran down her back.
Click.
Her eyes widened. It opened.
Elena looked around once more, then stepped out.
The hallway
