FOURTEEN

ALANNA

        Wrapping my arms around myself, I gaze down below from the open window of my room. Today seems to be colder than usual; not that I'm complaining.

Seven days.

There are only seven days left for the bonding ceremony to take place. Strangely enough, Zeron hasn't been avoiding me like he usually does. We don't say much, we only spend time with each other in the garden, in his favorite private spot, in his room and in the library. Yet, neither of us have the courage to talk about our kiss. There's this undeniable tension between us. I can feel it and I know he can feel it too.

I close my eyes and let out a sigh when I recall Zeron's dreadful words about the fact that he believes he's dying. God, I hope not.

He can't die, not under my watch. The door to my room creaks open and I turn around to see the queen mother as she steps into my room elegantly. She's wearing a black and green floral dress today with her h