Elvanya's Pov
I watched the empty spot near the outer wall until my eyes hurt and tears pricked their corners. The moon slowly sank, and its pale white light faded from the courtyard. Darkness filled the courtyard again, heavy with menacing shadows. Finally, I left the window and quietly walked back to my mattress.
I didn’t have to wait long for Mira to return. Just as the sky turned gray with the first dawn light, the door to the servant quarters opened very quietly and slowly.
I quickly lay down on my straw mattress and pulled my blanket up to my neck. I closed my eyes tightly but didn’t fall asleep. I had to pretend to be asleep to watch her reaction, I had to be a convincing liar now.
I heard Mira’s soft footsteps as she entered the room. She walked straight to her mattress next
