ELIANA
Laying on my bed, I heard a single knock at the door of my chamber. A soft, tentative sound that immediately had me tensing.
Before I could even respond, the door creaked open. My muscles instinctively tightened. I immediately rose from the bed, my hand reaching for the pistol I kept in the drawer by my side. I moved towards the door with quiet, deliberate steps.
I knew, of course, who it would be. No one dared intrude on my privacy except Kael.
But ever since receiving that damn bird...since Don's little message, I had grown more cautious. Not scared, just... cautious.
I walked slowly towards the door, the thin fabric of my nightie brushing against my legs as I moved. It was black, simple, slightly revealing. It wasn't meant for anything more than rest, but tonight, it felt like a vulnerable reminder of how exposed I could be in this moment.
As I reached the door, I accidentally bumped into someone on the other side.
"Kael," I said, surprised, my voice sharp.
