Book 2: Chapter 66

Back inside the house, Camila sat with Martina on the couch, holding her hand tightly. Martina's sobs had quieted down, but the grief was still palpable.

"Martina," Camila said softly, "I know this is incredibly hard. But you have to stay strong. Ares would want you to be safe and take care of yourself."

Martina nodded, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I know, Camila. I just... I can't believe he's gone. It feels so surreal."

Martina stood up from the couch, her legs feeling weak and shaky. The weight of the news about Ares was crushing her. She walked over to the little bar in the living room, her movements mechanical as if she were in a trance. She grabbed a bottle of whiskey, the only thing she could think of to numb the pain, and poured herself a generous amount into a glass.

As she brought the glass to her lips, Camila rushed to her side, trying to stop her. "Martina, please don't do this," she pleaded, reaching out to take the glass away.