Serena’s POV
The great hall felt colder than the tower ever had, even with the massive fire roaring in the hearth. I stood near the tall windows, the black envelope from the King’s advisor still clutched in my hands like a death warrant. The note inside burned in my memory: *The debt is due. Do not be late.* My heart hadn’t stopped racing since the advisor’s departure, and every creak of the ancient floorboards made me tense, expecting Alaric or his men to appear at any moment.
Penelope had finally fallen into an exhausted sleep in the corner chaise after Gale carried her there. Gale himself leaned against the wall, his injured arm freshly bandaged, watching me with that familiar mix of worry and stubborn loyalty.
“You don’t have to do this alone,” he said quietly, his voice rough from
