I barely slept last night. Leah’s letter was still under my pillow, and I kept feeling it there, reminding me I still had not written her back. Every time I drifted close to sleep, the thought dragged me awake again.When morning finally showed up, I got up and had my shower. My head felt heavy, like I had not slept at all, then I dressed slowly.A guard knocked. “Master Kael is ready, Miss Aria.”I followed him out to the courtyard. Kael was already waiting.“Good morning, Kael,” I said.He looked me over. “Morning, Aria. You look tired.”“I barely slept, but I’m fine,” I answered, and nearly yawned in his face.“Sit down,” he said, and patted the bench.We sat together. Kael told me, “Close your eyes, Aria.”So I did. I tried to find that hum I had felt yesterday, searching for it in the quiet inside myself, the way Kael showed me. I shoved my thoughts aside, looking for any sign of it.Nothing.I pushed harder, until my head started to ache. Still, there was nothing.I opened my ey
Last Updated : 2026-01-02 Read more