Serena’s POV
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. My body ached, every muscle screaming in protest, but it was the weight in my chest that truly threatened to overwhelm me.
What had happened in that clearing? The flames, the power—I could still feel the lingering warmth under my skin, a constant reminder of something I didn’t understand.
A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, Kael entered, his gray eyes scanning the room until they settled on me.
“You’re awake,” he said, his voice laced with relief.
I nodded, pushing myself into a sitting position despite the protest of my limbs. “Barely.”
Kael crossed the room and handed me a glass of water. His movements were careful, almost hesitant, as if he was
