Ellie’s POV
The loud clang of the cell door pulled me out of a restless sleep. Two guards stood there, faces like stone.
“Council wants you,” one said.
My stomach flipped. Maybe they finally believed me. They locked the cuffs back on my wrists and marched me up the narrow stairs. The iron rubbed against my skin with every step.
The council chamber smelled of smoke and old wood. Dawn light came through the tall windows, landing on the tired faces of the elders. My eyes went straight to the last chair.
Empty.
Ethan wasn’t there.
Panic flickered through me,a cold knot formed in my chest. He promised he would come , he'd never leave me to face this alone. A bitter thought slid in: Fiona.
Later I would learn she had a healer slip something into his drink. A quiet sleeping poison. Enoug
