When I opened my eyes, it took me a moment to remember where I was.
The ceiling above me wasn’t smooth stone or carved wood. It was open sky, still touched with the faint, silvery blue of early morning. The air smelled like pine needles and damp earth, and somewhere not far away, I could hear birds beginning to stir.
I was wrapped in a blanket—warm, surprisingly clean—and lying on soft moss beside a small fire.
The flames flickered quietly, casting light that danced along the surrounding trees. For a moment, I felt safe. Hidden.
Then the ache in my neck reminded me.
The mark.
It still throbbed, but not like before. This pain was duller now, like a bruise pressed too hard, but I could still feel it—still feel him. Kael. His presence lingered in my chest like a whisper I couldn’t shut out.
I groaned softly and tried to sit up. My arms were weak, but I managed.
Rowan sat a few feet away with his back against a tree, watching me. He didn’t look surprised to see me awake.
“How long was I
