Lila
Every day I woke weaker than I had been the day before, as though the strength in my bones had decided to abandon me, leaving only a shell behind.
Even standing to stoke the fire sent a shiver of fatigue rolling through my muscles. My hands trembled when I held the water bucket, and I had to steady myself against the wall just to carry it across the room.
I hated it, his helplessness, the slow erosion of what little power I had left.
Once, I’d trained until sweat burned my eyes, until Ruby’s growl urged me to push further. Once, I could fight grown warriors twice my size and still keep my footing. Now I could hardly cross the floor without pausing for breath.
The fear curled tight in my chest, heavier than the child I carried. With every falter, the thought grew sharper: I migh
