Sofia’s POV
Marcus stood beside me, jaw tight, fists clenched at his sides. The drive over had been silent, every red light had felt like an eternity.
I knocked hard. “Alex! Open up!”
Nothing at first. Then footsteps. The door cracked open. He was shirtless, wearing only black boxers, and the sight made my stomach twist.
“Sofia,” he said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “What are you doing here? Elena’s resting…”
“Move,” I snapped, shoving the door wider before he could block it. Marcus was right behind me, a solid wall of protective anger.
“Elena?” I called, voice cracking. “Elena!”
The bedroom door was ajar. I pushed through without waiting.
What I saw burned itself into my brain forever.
Elena lay on the bed, completely naked, her body limp and unnaturally still. Th
