Morning came without mercy.
Elena’s cheek still burned from the slap the night before, though she had pressed a cool cloth to it until her skin went numb. She told herself she wouldn’t let him see her break. Not now. Not ever.
When the door opened, two maids entered, their eyes lowered as though afraid to look at her. They carried silk dresses in shades of black and crimson, fabrics so rich they looked stolen from queens of old.
Elena frowned. “What is this?”
One of the women spoke, her voice trembling. “Signore Moretti requests your presence at tonight’s gathering. You are to choose one.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Elena snapped.
The maid flinched. “You… you don’t understand. Refusal isn’t an option.”
Before Elena could respond, the door opened again. The air shifted, heavy, suffoca
