Mary Ann’s POV
By the end of the week, Elara allowed me to return to light duties.
She had used the word light several times, as though repeating it would make me obey. I promised I would not stay in the council library past midnight, skip meals, inspect unstable platforms, or enter crowded kitchens without guards. Elara did not look convinced, but she finally stopped threatening to lock me inside the infirmary.
The weakness had not completely left my body. Some mornings, my legs still felt heavy when I first stood. Sudden movements made my chest ache, and the smell of honey could turn my stomach before I understood why. I hated those reactions. They reminded me that someone had managed to enter my room and place death inside an ordinary cup of tea.
Still, I refused to remain hidden.
