In the middle of the night, Caelan jolted awake, sitting upright as his breath came fast and shallow, his pupils blown wide in the darkness as his amber eyes emitted a subtle, unnatural glow.
He scanned his chamber, the shadows stretching along the walls, until familiarity slowly settled over him. Only then did the pounding in his chest begin to ease. With a quiet exhale, he dragged a hand through his hair, forcing himself to breathe.
It was just a dream, he thought.
But yet, the unease lingered, coiling tight in his stomach.
Why now?
Dawn was only a few hours away, and his journey to the palace awaited him. Yet he could not fall asleep.
Why was it so easy for others to easily surrender to rest, while he remained awake, inviting his nightmares to return, night after night? Why did he allow them the chance to taunt him like this.
'I'm right behind you!'
A voice stirred, familiar and unwelcome, forcing Caelan's head to snap around on instinct.
