Elara jerked awake violently, swinging her fist at the first shadow she saw.
Her knuckles connected with something solid. A woman gasped and stumbled back. Elara scrambled backward on the massive bed until her spine hit the carved wooden headboard, breathing hard, eyes wild.
“Don’t touch me,” she rasped, voice hoarse and broken. She pulled the thick blanket up to her neck like a shield, hands shaking badly. “Whoever you are… stay away.”
The luxurious room blurred in her vision. Soft golden lights. Silk sheets. Fresh flowers. None of it felt safe.
A tall man with calm blue eyes and a strong, authoritative presence raised both hands slowly. “You’re safe here. My name is Beta Harlan. We found you last night in the forest.”
Elara’s gaze darted around the room. Several women in healer robe
