Chapter 6

TESSA POV

The hallway was quiet by the time I reached my door, the noise of the banquet finally muffled behind the walls and distance. My legs ached in a way I hadn't let myself notice until now, exhaustion pressing through every bone, the fire still flickering behind my eyes whenever I blinked too long, the ring cold and unfamiliar on my finger, the heirloom chain heavy against my collarbone. I wanted nothing more than to close this door and finally breathe.

"Tessa, stop right there!"

The familiar voice cut through the quiet just as my fingers reached the handle. I froze. I knew that voice. I had...