Selena's POV
The halls of the Alpha Tower were quieter than usual. Shadows curled along the edges of the corridor like whispers of things left unsaid. I walked slowly, my boots tapping against the stone, my thoughts circling around what had just happened in the throne room.
Karren had surprised me. Truly.
He hadn’t snapped. He hadn’t yelled. He hadn’t imprisoned me or accused me of manipulation. He actually listened.
And more importantly… he had believed me.
For a moment, I allowed myself the flicker of something I hadn’t felt since arriving here. It was hope for us. But I got rid of it quickly.
Hope was dangerous, especially in a place where even your shadow could be your enemy.
I stopped at the corner of the hallway that led toward the training yards. Something prickled along my
