Alessandro's eyes searched Catarina's face for any sign of hesitation, something that would contradict what he had just heard. But Catarina remained still, holding her uncle's gaze even as she felt her heart tighten.

“I know what you're thinking, Uncle...” she began calmly. “But things aren't the way they used to be.”

He shook his head in disbelief, running a hand through his hair as if trying to push away an absurd thought.

“They aren't the way they used to be?” he repeated with a hint of iron