Elaria’s POV
The silence pressed against the walls like a weight, keeping sleep far from my reach. I tossed and turned beneath the heavy sheets, staring up at the ceiling, restless and wide awake.
Eventually, I pushed myself out of bed and walked to the window.
The moonlight bathed my room in silver, its glow spilling across the floor. I peered down at the fields below, expecting stillness, but there was movement. A few maids were out there, working quietly with bowls and baskets, picking fruit and dissecting vegetables. At this hour? Why?
That feels so strange.
“You’re still awake.”
The voice struck like a whip on a cold floor.
I froze, the air in the room thickened instantly.
Turning slowly, I met his gaze, Alaric, tall and unreadable as usual, stood with his hands clasped behin
