Valtira.
When I woke up, I expected to ache everywhere. I expected my legs to feel like they didn’t belong to me. I expected soreness.
But instead… I felt fine.
I lay there for a second, confused.
I shook the thought off and sat up. The sheets beside me were cold.
Zarek wasn’t there. I wondered where he went..
I stood, my feet touching the cool floor, and pulled on the first robe I saw. My hair was messy, but I didn’t care. I pushed open the door and stepped out into the hallway.
The palace was louder than usual.
People were whispering. Guards rushing, and servants moving in a hurry like something was burning. I frowned and walked toward the nearest noise.
As soon as I stepped outside, I saw a crowd gathered in the training courtyard.
The tension in the air felt thick, like a sto
