Chapter 71

Lucas' POV

The sound of my father’s boots echoed down the hall long after he’d left. I sat there, my wrists aching against the metal cuffs that had rubbed my skin raw. My chest felt tight, like I couldn’t breathe properly. Elara. He’d sold her. Sold her to people who would… My mind refused to finish the thought. Every time I tried, it felt like something sharp was driving into my skull.

I wanted to scream. To rip these chains off and tear through every wall and door until I found her. But all I could do was sit there, bound and helpless like a damned fool.

Aurelio’s footsteps were softer, but I heard them. He lingered at the edge of the cell, not saying a word at first. I didn’t look at him. I couldn’t. Not after what my father had said.

"You always thought he was loyal," my father had sneered. "But loyalty only lasts until it’s inconvenient. Aurelio knows where the winning side is."