Chapter 22

Maeve’s POV

I could no longer stand the trembling in my legs, so I rushed into my chamber and sank onto the bed. The mattress accepted me with a soft sigh as I lay flat, hardly daring to believe how perfectly everything had unfolded. My innocence had been publicly affirmed in the court, the true culprit unmasked at last. Closing my eyes, I fought to keep the tears of relief from spilling over.

Just then, the door flew open and Aria swept in, her dark curls bouncing as she darted toward me. Arms outstretched, she pulled me into a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you’re safe,” she whispered, pressing me against her warm body. I returned her hug with equal fervor, letting her steadiness ground me.

“I’m glad, too,” I murmured, finally feeling my legs still. Elysia followed a heartbeat later—her silver hair glinting in the torchlight—and joined our circle, wrapping her arms around both of us. The weight of fear and uncertainty eased as their friendship enveloped me.