CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Astra

The mortar and pestle feel familiar in my hands as I grind dried moonflower petals into powder. The rhythmic motion soothes my nerves, even as worry gnaws at my chest like a persistent ache.

“The key is to crush them just enough to release the oils,” I explain to Mira, one of the royal healers who has been eager to learn my techniques. “Too much pressure and you’ll destroy the medicinal properties.”

She nods earnestly, taking notes in her leather-bound journal. “And this helps with sleep disturbances?”

“Nightmares, specifically,” I say, adding a pinch of lavender to the mixture. “The combination creates a calming effect that promotes...