"Trust isn’t given; it’s rebuilt, piece by fragile piece."
The words replayed in my mind as I stared out over the quiet courtyard. The moon hung low, its silver glow casting long shadows across the cobblestones. The betrayal lingered like a bruise that refused to heal, and though the kingdom was settling after the chaos, I couldn’t seem to shake the ache it had left behind.
The door behind me creaked open softly, and I didn’t have to turn to know who it was. His presence filled the space, familiar and steady, yet tonight it felt heavier. Hesitant.
“Can’t sleep?” Asher’s voice was low, a quiet rumble that matched the stillness of the night.
“Not really,” I replied, my gaze fixed on the fountain in the center of the courtyard. The water rippled gently, its soft gurgle the only sound brea
