TIARA THORNELLS
SEVERAL HOURS AGO
It was Saturday at one am in the morning, still dark, and the world was wrapped in silence. Everyone else was asleep, but I remained awake, clinging to the only thing that gave me peace, my routine. As always, I was in the garden, just outside on the dewy grass, praying beneath the moonlight.
My eyes were fixed on the moon. My hands were clasped tightly, my lips moved in whispers, each word of prayer carrying the weight of my fears. Tomorrow, the war would begin.
The thought alone made my stomach twist. I had tried to prepare for this moment, but no amount of quiet nights or whispered prayers could truly make me ready. Still, I prayed. For the kingdom, Prince Zatan and everyone I loved.
While praying, I heard hurried footsteps approaching from behind
