Chapter 68 Writer's POV
Night deepened in the palace. In the secure chamber, Amanda slept fitfully beside Onyi, still holding his hand. Duke Ryker watched from a corner, alert to any change in Onyi's condition.
Onyi didn't move. Shadows on the walls seemed to pulse faintly like they were alive. Duke Ryker noticed but didn't react much, thinking it part of the strange happenings.
Suddenly in the darkness outside the chamber, a low howl sounded like a wolf but unlike any natural animal. The sound sent a shiver through the palace halls.
Amanda stirred in her sleep, murmuring something. Duke Ryker looked at her then back at Onyi.
The howl faded into the night but left an unsettling feeling in the secure chamber. Duke Ryker stayed watchful, eyes on Onyi. Amanda slept on, murmurs stopping as she settled back into deeper sleep.
In the silence, Onyi's fingers twitched again in Amanda's grasp. This time more strongly. Duke Ryker stepped closer.
Onyi's eyes opened slowly. He looked around the chamber like he didn't know where he was. When his gaze landed on Amanda sleeping beside him, something like recognition flickered.
Onyi's gaze lingered on Amanda's sleeping face. He tried to speak but his voice was hoarse and barely audible. Duke Ryker leaned in closer to hear.
"Onyi?" Duke Ryker said softly. "Can you hear me?"
Onyi's eyes moved to Duke Ryker. He blinked like trying to clear fog from his mind. His lips moved again forming a word.
"Amanda."
Amanda stirred at the sound of her name. She woke up slowly, looking up at Onyi with tears in her eyes.
"Onyi?" Amanda said, voice trembling with hope.
Amanda's eyes locked onto Onyi's, tears of joy and relief streaming down her face. "Onyi, you're awake."
Onyi's gaze stayed on Amanda. He tried to smile weakly.
Duke Ryker nodded to himself, seeing Onyi was awake and Amanda was with him. "I'll leave you two. I'll check in later."
With that, Duke Ryker turned and left the secure chamber, closing the door behind him. He headed out to inform the king about Onyi's awakening.
Amanda leaned closer to Onyi, holding his hand tighter. "Onyi, I was so scared. What happened to you?"
Onyi's expression was pained like he was trying to remember something.