The heavy oak door of her suite clicked shut with finality, the silver-laced lock engaging from the outside. Bella stood motionless in the center of the familiar room that now felt like a luxurious tomb.
Moonlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long silver bars across the floor—like the cage closing around her life.
She moved slowly to the window seat, wincing as her bruised ribs protested. The house arrest had tightened after the latest drip tampering accusations. Guards patrolled the villa grounds, and her access to the outside world was reduced to monitored calls and supervised healer visits. No more unescorted trips to Elias. No chance to meet Ethan.
Bella sank onto the cushioned bench, drawing her knees up carefully. Her hand slipped beneath the soft fabric of her nigh
