Betty's POV. 

Dawn arrived faster than I expected.

The sky was still brushed with faint lavender when I slipped out of Damien’s chamber, leaving him asleep.

I paused at the door for a moment, watching his chest rise and fall, then forced myself to turn away.

I had seven days.Seven days to learn enough to save him.

The High Priestess’ shrine stood quiet and dim when I arrived, its torches still burning with the last of the night’s glow. 

I stepped inside, clasping my hands together, ...