Estella My skin was too tight; each breath tugged at something painful deep in my bones. I couldn't move my limbs, but everything hurt, and I felt like I was dying. My throat was sore and burning, it felt like someone poured hot coals into my throat. Voices filled my ears as I lay there, burning from the inside out. "The damage was severe; we did what we could. We are not healers, Zev," Priestess Anya's voice was light, but a tremor of strain underlay her words. "Will she be healed for the ceremony? The solstice is in two nights! We have a ball planned for tomorrow evening!" Councilman Zev growled, his voice thick with irritation. "Move aside! I need to inspect her!" "She is resting, she is safe. The prince is with her." "Safe? We have no prince of Tenebris. You mean that bastard son

