POV: Alex
The pain woke me.
Not the dull ache of exhaustion or the lingering soreness from training—but something deeper. Sharper. A sudden, searing pull low in my abdomen that stole the air from my lungs.
I bolted upright in bed with a gasp, clutching my stomach as cold fear flooded my veins.
“Damieon—” The name tore from my lips before I could stop it.
The room was dark, moonlight spilling across the floor in silver bands. For one terrifying second, everything felt wrong—too quiet, too still, as if the world itself were holding its breath.
Then the wards flared.
Blue fire raced along the walls in pulsing sigils as the palace’s ancient protections surged to life. The air crackled with volatile magic.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed just as the doors burst open.
Riley was
