When I woke, I found myself back in same room as before the ceremony. I was sprawled on the bed, my dress gone and replaced with a pair of slacks and a crisp white shirt. I moved to press my hand to my thumping head and a large, white bandage caught my eyes, making me jump. Someone had bandaged the cut on my palm. A sound caught my attention. I lifted my head slowly and finally noticed Deakin sitting silently next to me, his head buried in his hands. “Deakin?” I whispered, my voice so soft I didn’t think he would hear me. His head jerked up at the sound of my voice, his face tense and strained. He was instantly by my side, his eyes concerned. “Tynan requests your presence immediately for council,” Deakin uttered softly as if he were completely lifeless, his voice distant and cold. I groaned inwardly knowing that I could no longer refuse him – I was bound to him, forever. As the words crossed my mind the enormity of the situation sunk in, and I suddenly felt like I was drowning.