Hector and I walked through the crowd, his presence exuding quiet dominance. He held my hand lightly, an act of possession and protection all at once. I felt the weight of their stares, whispers echoing around us as speculation grew.
Hera appeared at my side, her mask concealing her expression, but her eyes met mine with reassurance. “It’s almost time,” she murmured.
I exhaled slowly. This was it.
The host of the event stepped forward, microphone in hand. The gallery fell silent.
“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we are honored to introduce you to the genius behind these breathtaking works of art. The woman behind the name Vidora Ashe… Francheska Falcon!”
Hector’s hand tightened around mine as we stepped forward. My heart pounded violently in my chest, but I kept my expression calm.
As I stepped onto the stage, my eyes scanned the crowd.
And then—I saw them.
Antonio. Serena. Sergio.
The very people who had destroyed Alicia Costa. The ones who had killed her without ever spilling a drop of her blood.