C15 WHATEVER MIA WAS ABOUT TO FACE, SHE'D FACE IT TOO WITHOUT HESITATION.

The room fell into a heavy silence. It wasn’t just quiet, it was the kind of stillness that pressed against your chest, the kind that made breathing feel like a task.

Elena stood frozen, unsure of what to do, a mix of shock and pity swirling in her chest. Her heart pounded, her throat felt dry. She had heard rumors about Stefan, about how ruthless he could be