Dawn crept shyly through the transparent curtains surrounding my canopy bed, caressing my face with a warm, soft light. For the first time in months, I had slept without interruptions, without the heavy, dark dreams that usually tormented me. There were no screams, no shadows, nor Lucian's domineering figure appearing in the midst of my nightmares. Only silence... and peace.
I opened my eyes slowly, still immersed in that sensation of restorative rest. I spent a few seconds contemplating the canopy, where strange red flowers continued to shimmer with their golden dust, floating slowly in the air as if dancing to the rhythm of a silent melody. The vision was hypnotic, magical... and for some reason, it sent a shiver down my spine.
A soft knocking at the door pulled me from my reverie.
"Miss Eliza, excuse the hour," announced a female voice from the other side. "I've brought your breakfast."
"Come in," I responded with a husky voice, barely regaining consciousness.
