YIN'S POV
The first thing I noticed when I woke was that I was alone.
My hand reached across the bed before I was fully conscious, seeking the warmth that should've been there. But there was only cold silk and empty space where Irene should've been.
My eyes snapped open and I called out to her.
"Irene?"
There was no answer. Just the oppressive silence and pale morning light filtering through the curtains.
I sat up too quickly and my vision swam for a moment. I was still recovering—I knew this, my healers had lectured me endlessly—but concern for Irene overrode any care for my own wellbeing.
Where was she?
My mind immediately went to the worst possibilities. Valda. It had to be Valda. That poisonous woman had been looking for any opportunity to strike, to remove the obstacle I'd placed between her and the power she thought she deserved.
If she'd touched Irene, if she'd hurt her, I would burn this entire manor to the ground.
