CAMELLIA'S POV
I was still shaking long after Rhea brought me home.
As soon as I stepped into my apartment, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it for a long moment, releasing a slow, unsteady breath.
Only when my heartbeat finally began to settle did I force myself through my familiar evening routine. I filled the kettle with water before reaching for a handful of dried herbs.
Once the tea was ready, I carried the steaming cup upstairs to the balcony.
Ashkara glittered beneath the night sky, lanterns casting ribbons of golden light through the winding streets while, beyond the city, the forest swayed gently beneath the moonlight.
Usually, the view was enough to calm me.
Tonight, it did nothing to quiet the storm in my mind.
I rested my elbows on the railing and stared i
