I stared at my hand, frozen with fear. After sitting motionless on the bed for what felt like an eternity, I finally rose and faced the mirror, as though I needed confirmation that I hadn’t physically changed. My human-like reflection offered some comfort, though it failed to completely quiet the unease swirling inside me. Taking a deep breath, I resolved to push the problem aside for now—or at least until I could discuss it with Caspian.

But the restlessness clung to me. Even the ...