~A Name Buried, A Truth Rising~

CALISTA (as Daphne)

I knew there were guards outside my door before I opened my eyes.

Their footsteps were different. Too steady. Too controlled. Bloodfang guards usually shifted weight, paced, and talked low. These ones stood still. Listening.

Elrich.

I smiled to myself and stayed in bed a moment longer. Let them hear the sheets move. Let them hear nothing else.

When I finally sat up, I didn’t rush. I stretched slowly, my bare feet touching the floor, ...