ARIA POINT OF VIEW

I was halfway down the corridor, my mind drifting between exhaustion and the comfort of sleep, when a guard stepped out from the shadows and bowed quickly.

His shoulders were tense, his eyes restless, as if he’d already debated with himself whether to speak at all.

“My lady,” he said quietly, “Forgive me, but I think you should know something.”

That alone made me stop.

“Know what?” I asked, keeping my voice even.

He hesitated, then exhaled. “It’s ...