ALTHEA
I didn’t sleep last night.
I didn’t even dare close my eyes.
I sat at the edge of the bed, knees pulled up to my chest, arms wrapped tight around them, and stared at the wall until the shadows began to fade and pale light crept into the room. My chest feels too tight, my skin too hot. I should feel better—safer—after Theo promised me Asher would remain unharmed. But deep down, something twists in my gut. Something raw and uncertain.
Maybe because deep down, I don’t know if I believe him.
I paced for hours. Back and forth across the rug until it was crumpled and wrinkled beneath my feet. Over and over again, I debated going to Asher’s door. Just once. Just to warn him. To beg him not to go through with it.
To tell him I still care.
But I didn’t.
Because that would make this real.
Because if I saw him again, I wouldn’t be able to go through with today.
Today… the day he becomes king.
And the same day he is overthrown.
A soft knock comes just after dawn. I barely hear it at first
