Chapter 35

Arianna woke to the smell of cooking meat and the low murmur of voices planning strategy. Dawn light filtered through the forest canopy, painting everything in shades of gold and green.

Her leg throbbed with a dull, persistent ache. When she tried to move it, sharp pain shot through the muscle, forcing a hiss through her teeth.

"That's your body telling you to stay still," Elena said, appearing with a bowl of something that smelled better than it probably tasted. "Broth. Drink it. You lost blood yesterday and need to rebuild your strength."

Arianna accepted the bowl, sipping the warm liquid. It was thin but flavorful—someone had added...