Jasmine's POV
I woke up with a start, my throat dry and scratchy. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I realized sunlight was already streaming through the windows. How long had I slept? Mason's side of the bed was empty and cold - he must have been up for hours.
Pushing myself up, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, ready to get some water. But before my feet could touch the floor, I froze. The cold, sharp tip of a sword was pressed against my throat.
My heart pounded as I slowly raised my eyes, following the length of the blade to its wielder. A woman stood before me, her face obscured by a dark scarf that left only her eyes visible. Those eyes were hard, filled with a mix of determination and... was that hesitation?
"Don't move," the woman said, her voice low and threatening.
