Chapter 163

• Lucia's POV
• Elena’s voice floated weak down the hall: “Lucia… run. Trap closing.” I pushed the door open slow, heart in my throat. There she lay bedridden.. braids gone gray, eyes Mom’s exact deep brown. She reached shaky arms out. I rushed in, hugged her desperate tight. Bones fragile under thin gown, but real. Warm. Alive. Mateo cooed my hip, Sofia gasped behind. Victor’s feds burst doors sudden.. Harrow led charge: “Arrest all!” Guns up, shouts echo tile.
• I held Elena tighter, scents hit.. coffee faint, laundry soap old familiar. “Alive?” Sobs choked out mine. Hers too. “How… Mom?” She stroked my hair weak, voice crack: “Faked it… to expose Victor from inside. Failed bad.” Guilt heavy her eyes, tears mix cheeks. “Left you girls… thought protect.” I cried harder, face bury neck. Years lost. Pain raw. “Missed you every day.” Whisper broke.