Elias’s POV

I woke up before my alarm rang.

My body felt heavy, like I had not slept at all, even though I must have dozed off at some point. The room was quiet. Too quiet. My head filled the silence with thoughts I did not want.

Today was the spar. Today everyone would watch me. Today Hale would be there. Today Ronan’s plan had to work.

My stomach twisted like I had swallowed stones.

I sat up slowly, rubbing my face with both hands. My pulse was already fast. I stood up and reached for ...