Lorenzo

My mother's expression hardened, leaving no room for negotiation. "I won't say another word until you drink the tea I prepared for you. The sedative they used has left you weak and vulnerable, Lorenzo."

Despite my glaring defiance, I couldn't ignore the heavy weight of fatigue that pressed down on my body, making even the simplest of movements a challenge.

"Fine," I muttered, reluctantly accepting the cup.

The soothing aroma of the tea enveloped my senses as I drained the contents in one large gulp, eager to get to the truth that lay hidden beneath my mother's cryptic warnings.

I handed the empty cup back to her, my gaze...