Meredith.
The first rays of morning light slipped through the curtains, nudging me awake.
My body still hummed with the warmth of Draven's embrace from last night, and for a brief second, I didn't want to move. I just wanted to sink deeper into him.
But then my thoughts suddenly returned to Valmora's words, the mark on my shoulder—the truth I didn't want to face.
I turned on my side, watching Draven sleep. His face looked so calm, nothing like the man who carried the weight of his people on his shoulders.
Last night, he had held me through my disappointment, his steady touch telling me he wouldn't let the curse define me. Still, deep inside, fear lingered.
What if the shift takes longer than expected to happen? What if I fail him?
As soon as I had such thoughts, Valmora stirred. "You won't fail. Stop planting poison in your own mind. Last night was proof that your bond with him is stronger than fear."
