I didn’t remember storming all the way back to my room, only the thunder of my feet down the corridor, the furious rush in my veins, and the sting of tears I refused to let fall.
The door slammed close with a loud crack as I shoved it with all the strength in my arms, barely caring if it hit the guards still chasing after me like loyal dogs. Let it hit them. Let it knock them down.
Let something feel the weight of what I couldn’t say.
I startled Isabel, who was at the table lighting a small candle. The soft scent of jasmine had just begun to bloom in the air, but it was crushed instantly by my storm.
Isabel looked up, eyes wide, hand still on the flame. “My pri…”
But she didn’t finish talking, because I had already crossed the room in two fast, trembling steps and wrapped my arms arou
