{Ryanna’s POV}

I was woken up by the sound of thunder.

The tiled roof above me was beaten by the rain, steady and cold. My body jerked upright, my heart beating like a warning drum.

Another room.

Another day.

The walls were stone this time, plain and damp. A lone fire flickered in the corner. My bed was narrow, the sheets scratchy. A soldier’s quarters, maybe. Or a prisoner’s. I had been sent here against my will. Just the night before. My chest was still tight with grief.

The storm ...