Chapter 159

Alaria

The morning came gray and heavy, light filtering through the narrow window like it was reluctant to enter. I’d barely slept. I knew that even if I dozed off, it was because I was exhausted, not because I wanted to.

Every sound, the shuffle of maids outside, the rustle of sheets, even the soft breathing from Anastasia beside me, kept me tethered to wakefulness. It reminded me that I was not where I was supposed to be, and despite everything, that I was going to need to find a proper solution before things got out of hand.

“Where are you, Liam?” I whispered, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to hear me.

Even if I wanted to try our bond, if I wanted to test out that possibility, I knew that he wouldn’t be able to find me here. If he could have, he would have by now.

I ran my fingers through my daughter’s hair gently as she slept. I smiled and leaned in, kissing her temple before forcing myself to sit up.

That was when something caught my