Ethan’s POV
I woke with a pounding headache, the kind that made the room tilt when I tried to sit up. A bitter taste clung to my tongue. What the hell…?
The last thing I remembered was the cup of herbal tea a servant gave me last night. I’d barely finished it before sleep dragged me under.
It felt like I’d been drugged. A heavy fog still crawled through my veins, making every thought slow.
I rubbed my temples and forced my eyes to focus. I was supposed to be somewhere.
Something was wrong.
I reached for the bond I shared with Elle. Usually her presence brushed the edge of my mind like a warm breeze, even if she was far away. Now it was only a faint spark, too far, like a candle almost out.
“The council meeting,” I muttered, my heart kicking hard. “Ellie.”
I grabbed my shirt and sta
