Asher’s POV
The voices wouldn’t leave.
I shut the door, pressing my back against the wood. The echoes clung, tightening like a noose. The elders. The council. Their relentless talk of treaties and obligations. The weight of their words drilled into my skull, one hammer strike after another. Like an endless spiral of unwanted thoughts and noises.
I exhaled.
The room was dark, moonlight spilling across the floor, silver and quiet. I didn’t turn on the lamp. Didn’t move to shake off the exhaustion clawing at my ribs. Boots first. Belt next. Shirt, last.
The fabric stuck to my skin before I tossed it aside. Somewhere near the chair—maybe. It didn’t matter. Not tonight. Not with the quiet hum pressing against my skull, the slow, creeping pull of exhaustion anchoring me to the floor.
I ro
