Kyle became aware again, staring up, confused for a moment, then realised he was in his own bed in the Winter Palace. He stiffened as the memory hit him of his encounter with the toxin. Turning inward, he assessed his own state. Finally, he started to relax, straightening from the ball he’d been curled up in. He’d successfully flushed the toxin from his system, even if it had been mostly subconsciously, and that caused him to let out his breath in relief. Rolling onto his side, he chuckled. It had only been a small taste of the toxin, and it had driven him into a state of panic. Still, he’d managed to overcome it, without running back to Joanna or someone else to fix.
Hearing the distinct clatter of hooves in the courtyard, Kyle moved cautiously out into the common area and looked out a w
