FINN
I stepped out of the dungeon into the harsh afternoon sunlight, and the world exploded in white-hot agony across my eyes. Four years of dim torches and eternal shadow had left me unprepared. I stumbled backward, slamming against the cold stone wall. My hand flew up to shield my face as tears streamed involuntarily down my cheeks.
The brightness burned. I squinted, blinking rapidly, willing my vision to adjust. For long minutes, I stood there, pinned by the light.
Slowly, the glare softened. Colors bled into focus. Blue sky, endless and vast. Tall pines stretching toward the heavens with snow on them. I’d forgotten. Goddess, I’d forgotten how beautiful the world could be.
When my eyes finally settled, I saw my father.
Beta Alaric Tanner leaned against a sleek black car a few pace
