Amy’s POV
The moment Evan disappeared beyond the gates, I finally turned back toward the palace, exhaustion settling into my bones. My palm still tingled from the slap, and my heartbeat thudded unevenly in my chest. I needed a shower, a moment of peace, anything—just a second to breathe.
But the second I opened the bedroom door, everything inside me shattered.
“Kael?”
He was lying on the floor beside the bed, one arm stretched awkwardly, his shirt half unbuttoned, his eyes shut tight. He looked pale—too pale—and for a heartbeat, I forgot how to breathe.
“No, no, no—Kael!”
I dropped to my knees and grabbed his shoulders, shaking him gently. “Kael! Wake up! Kael, please!”
He didn’t stir. His skin felt cold, and his breathing was shallow. Panic clawed up my throat, sharp and merciless.
