Maelis’s POV

I woke up disoriented.

The afternoon light pierced through the heavy curtains, stinging my eyes. My head felt heavy, and breathing was a chore.

I pulled myself up, sitting against the headboard. The room was unfamiliar at first glance but then the familiarity settled in.

I reached up instinctively to touch my face.

And just as I suspected, my fingers brushed against cold, hard metal. The silver mask was back in place, perfectly secured.

Exhaustion, anxiety, and fear crashed down on me all at once.

I threw the covers off and swung my legs to the floor. My knees wobbled as I stood up, making for the door....