Footsteps echoed through the dark hallway leading to the basement. Margareth, seated near the doorway, turned her head.

“Took you long enough,” she muttered to the man emerging from the shadows.

Damian Lancaster stepped in without a sound. His black suit stood out starkly against the cold, grimy stone walls. His eyes locked straight on Elena, still tied to the chair. Her face was bruised, but her glare burned with rage.

“Leave us,” Damian said coldly to his mother.

Margareth raised an eyebrow. “You’re kicking me out, Damian?”

“I said, leave,” he repeated without even looking at her.

With a soft huff, Margareth stood up and walked out. “Fine. Just...