Back Where 71
“Zephyrine? Zephyrine?”

I fluttered my eyelids open, tired and heavy, to see Princess Mearez’s concerned face. She looked so worried that my chest ached. I saw her lips move, but I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t summon the energy to answer or even pay attention.

I tried to close my eyes again, but Serena came and nudged me gently.

“Zephyrine, you can’t sleep. Try to stay awake. It’s already dusk.”

Oh. I must have slept through the entire morning. I swallowed hard and spoke in a whisper, barely audible. Princess Mearez leaned in, straining to hear.

“Lycan… is he… okay?”

She pulled back for a brief moment, then nodded,