Chapter 143

• Lucia's POV
• Sofia’s hand trembled in mine as she shoved the panel open wider, the hidden door groaning like it hadn’t moved in years, and we tumbled into the narrow passage, dust kicking up thick around our ankles, the air stale with old perfume and secrets.
• “These were for Dad’s mistresses,” she whispered, her voice cracking a little, flashlight beam jittering across rough stone walls that closed in tight, making my chest feel squeezed. I nodded, pulling Ryan along behind me, his arm slung heavy over my shoulders, his weight dragging with every step, blood warm and sticky seeping through his shirt onto my side. “Keep moving,” I muttered, heart pounding so loud I swore the guards above could hear. Ryan’s breath came hot against my neck, ragged and pained, but he squeezed my hand faint.. yeah, still fighting.