(Evelina's POV — Later, Hartgrave Mansion)
The car rolled down the cobblestone path like it was carrying a corpse.
Mine.
The driver glanced at me through the mirror, nervous. "Miss… we've arrived."
I didn't answer. I simply opened the door, stepped out, and walked. My heels clicked against the marble of the front entrance. But inside me—nothing clicked. Nothing moved. Nothing breathed correctly.
My escape. My one-door home. The only chance I had been clinging to—Gone.
Slipped through my fingers like dust.
Margaret was the first to notice me. Her brows lifted. "Welcome Back Miss… shall I prepare—"
"Leave me alone."
My voice was flat. Cold. But my eyes were already burning.
She hesitated. "Miss, did something—"
"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!!!"
My voice cracked. My throat broke. Everyone in the foyer froze.
Sera, Father, Arden, and Lucien were standing at the entrance, turning toward me like they'd just witnessed an accident. Or worse—like I was one.
