Rissa’s POV

Morning came slowly, heavy, and sore.

I hadn’t slept a wink.

A weak strip of light crept in through the curtains, falling across the wooden floor in pale lines. For a second, I almost believed the night before had been nothing but a bad dream. Then the pendant at my neck reminded me it hadn’t been cold, cracked, or real.

I pushed myself upright, shoulders tight, the weight in my chest making it hard to move. I didn’t feel rested. More like something had been scooped out ...