Adrian pov
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver sheen over the palace courtyard as I stepped outside, needing air, needing distance. The weight of war preparations, the eyes of my pack, the threat of Ethan, all of it had begun to claw at my lungs like smoke in a burning room. I told the guards I wouldn't go far, just a breath of air before returning to the endless planning. I should've known better. Should've listened to the gnawing in my gut.
I exhaled slowly, pain sharpening the air in my lungs.
