/-Zara-/

I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe.

Dancing red candle flames cast everything in shades of fear—my trembling hands, the chilled stone walls, and the face of the one person I'd ever trusted without question.

"Healer… Rowan?" I gasped, my voice catching like a rough thread.

Her lips curled, calm, almost soft. "You shouldn't be here, Princess.".

Her voice was gentle, the same way she'd spoken while taking my pulse or administering me bitter medicines—but now it was heavy with ...