Valtira.
After Zarek left the room, the silence he left behind wasn’t calm—it was choking. Anger and frustration lingered like thick smoke curling against my ribs, refusing to let me breathe. My hands had already balled into fists. My teeth were clenched so tight my jaw ached.
I hated that he could walk away so easily…
Hated the way he always left me feeling small, furious, powerless, and somehow still tied to him.
I pressed my back against the wall and closed my eyes, pulling in a slow, shaky breath. I forced my mind to settle, to stitch itself back together just enough so I wouldn’t explode.
When I opened my eyes again, my personal maid was still standing quietly nearby, careful and hesitant, like any wrong word might ignite me. I straightened my posture, masking the fire under my s
