Kaelira barely got any sleep after she found the hidden corridor. Every time she closed her eyes, that crimson eye from the darkness stared back at her.
The whisper lingered in her mind.
“You’re getting closer…”
Whoever was hiding inside the palace—they knew things about her nobody else did. If they meant her harm, she wasn’t ready. Not at all.
She stood on the balcony, looking over the courtyard. Ronan approached, two wooden swords in hand. He handed one to her.
“I think it’s time.”
Kaelira eyed the sword, then him. “Time for what?”
He gave a small smile. “Time for you to stop letting everyone else keep you safe.”
She took it, uncertain. “I’ve never even held one.”
“I know.”
“I’m probably going to make a fool of myself.”
Ronan chuckled. “That’s kind of the point.”
She grinne
