Chapter 44: Morning Lies
Liora's POV
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I felt was weakness.
Not the kind that comes from lack of sleep. This one felt deeper, like my body had forgotten how to carry its own weight. Even lifting my hand felt heavier than it should have been.
For a few seconds, I didn't remember where I was. The room was quiet, the morning light soft and pale as it slipped through the curtains. Everything looked calm. Too calm for a night like the one we had just survived.
Then I remembered.
The courtyard. The wolves. Kael standing in front of me, bleeding and still refusing to fall.
My chest tightened immediately, and I sat up too fast. The movement made my head spin, and I had to steady myself against the bed.
"Liora!"
I froze.
Ivy was sitting beside the bed.
I hadn't even noticed her before. She leaned forward immediately, her face full of worry, her eyes scanning my face like she had been waiting for me to wake up.
