Hazel’s POV
I shot upright in bed with a scream still lodged in my throat.
My heart was trying to punch its way out of my chest.
Sweat soaked the back of my nightgown. My hair stuck to my neck. For a second I didn’t know where I was—cliff, falling, black water rushing up—then the familiar ceiling of my room came into focus.
Just a dream.
Just a dream.
The door burst open.
Two of my female warriors rushed in—eyes scanning every corner like they expected an assassin hiding in the shadows.
“My queen!” the taller one barked. “Are you alright?”
I pressed a shaking hand to my chest.
“I’m fine,” I managed. My voice sounded thin. “It was…nothing. A nightmare.”
They exchanged a quick look—concern still sharp on their faces—but they bowed and backed out quietly, closing the door with a so
