AUTHOR’S POV:

Aria’s lashes fluttered as light poured mercilessly into her eyes. The brightness stabbed at her temples, and a sharp pain throbbed through her head. With a groan, she pressed her palm against her forehead, rubbing gently as if her touch could ease the ache.

When her vision finally cleared, confusion settled heavily in her chest. The room was small, its walls woven from sticks and mud—like some rough hut. The scent of damp wood and smoke hung in the air. Her breath ...