Ariel's POV
Back to present
9 days to Ariel's death ~ 27 days to Viktor's turn.
I pushed against the weakness in my bones, stopping only when I reached the ground floor, my hand clutching the rail for support.
Viktor strode past without a word. Not even a glance. I told myself his mind was on the unrest, but it still stung—to be ignored like that, like I was nothing more than a burden.
Ravenna noticed my faltering and turned, concern softening her face.
"Are you okay, honey?" she asked, placing a hand on the small of my back.
My eyes burned. "Yeah. I-I'm just catching my breath," I lied. "Please go on and see what's happening."
Her eyes narrowed. "I'm not leaving you alone."
Typical.
I felt my insides burning, and the terror twisting in my heart wasn't small. A short run down th
