LYRA

Sleep never came despite my exhausted body begging for rest, my mind turned endlessly through all choices while dawn light grew stronger through my window. I sat in the same chair I'd collapsed into hours ago, still wearing the ball gown that now felt heavy and confining, watching the sun rise over castle grounds that looked deceptively peaceful.

The sound of my door opening made me turn to find Elda and Maren entering with their usual morning supplies, both of them stopping short when ...