*Briella*

My eyelids were heavy, and weariness had settled into my bones, but I couldn’t sleep another wink. A storm of fear raged beneath the surface, keeping me from the respite I so desperately needed. My limbs ached for rest and my mind for peace, but the terror of what might come when the world faded to black held me captive in relentless wakefulness.

"Please, Briella," Kryzen's voice was a gentle plea in the dimly lit room, his gray eyes pools of concern. "You ...