Location: Rossi Throne Room – 1 Hour After Catalina’s Visit

The room had emptied, but the tension lingered like smoke after a fire.

Elena stared at the iron crown resting on the velvet throne cushion. For so long, she had fought for this power—bled for it. Now, it felt like a shackle.

“She has my mother,” Elena said quietly.

Gianni stepped forward. “She could be lying.”

Elena’s eyes met his. “You saw the photo. That’s not a forgery. That’s my mother... alive.”

Xavier crossed his arms. “We can send a scout. An extraction team. You don’t have to go yourself.”

“I do,” Elena said, her voice like steel wrapped in...