Ariella's POV
The heavy oak door to King Edric’s private chambers loomed in front of me like the mouth of a trap I’d spent six long days walking straight into.
My hands were clasped neatly in front of one of the simple gowns Kora packed for me, fingers tight enough to ache, but my face stayed soft and innocent. The picture of a grateful, mute little wolf who’d been rescued from her miserable life.
Inside, though? I was burning. Rage simmered so hot I could almost taste ash on my tongue.
Six days of watching this monster from the shadows, learning every corridor, every guard shift, every weak point in his precious palace.
Six days of pretending to learn healing in the healers’ quarters when my Lunaris blood made it feel like child’s play.
I’d smiled sweetly at the other apprentice
