Dydra jolted awake with a sharp gasp, a searing pain twisting through her stomach the moment she moved. A soft groan escaped her lips as her trembling hand pressed against the ache.
"Ouch…" she whispered weakly.
Her eyes darted around the dim room, panic slowly replacing her drowsiness. She was still at Bivestone.
"My lord?" she called softly into the silence.
No response came.
Fear curled tightly around her chest as she pushed herself out of bed. She didn't even notice that the clothes she wore were no longer the ones from before. Bare feet touched the cold floor as she slowly approached the door and pushed it open.
The corridor beyond was dark and empty.
"My lord?" she called again, louder this time.
Still nothing.
Her heart began to pound. Had the knight attacked Leonard too?
She quickly stepped out into the corridor, shutting the door behind her. The distant roar of rain echoed through the castle, heavy drops violently striking the earth outside.
Then suddenly—
