Maya’s Point of View
The night was suffocating, thick with a silence that pressed against my ears like an unwelcome guest. Sleep evaded me, no matter how much I tossed and turned. My thoughts were haunted by Dren’s lifeless eyes and the lingering problem that was the dungeon guard.
I knew it wasn’t over. His silence wasn’t guaranteed. He could talk, spill everything to Kaiden… and if that happened, I was as good as dead. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see Kaiden’s face contorted with rage, his piercing emerald eyes bearing down on me with betrayal.
I sat up in bed, running a hand through my disheveled hair. My mind wouldn’t quiet down. Maybe some fresh air would help. I grabbed my shawl, wrapped it around my shoulders, and stepped out of the house.
The night air was crisp, a slig
