When Andrea opened her eyes, the world was bathed in morning light.
She blinked, disoriented. The air was cool and fragrant, carrying the scent of pine and damp soil.
She was lying on a bed made of carved wood, draped with white linens that shimmered faintly when the wind passed through the open window. Birds called outside. Somewhere beyond the trees. There’s also a river murmured.
Andrea sat up slowly. Her mind felt hazy, like waking from a dream she couldn’t quite remember. She pressed a hand to her temple, frowning. “Where…?”
Before she could finish, a soft knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” she said automatically, surprised at how steady her voice was.
A woman entered… a tall figure in muted robes and her hair streaked with silver. Her face was calm, kind even, though her ey
