Chapter 123. The Worry

Elona's POV

The ache had settled deep into my bones. Every muscle in my body pulsed with the dull sting of yesterday’s drills, an echo of Madame Delance’s relentless voice still clinging to my thoughts. I had barely slept. The ache in my shoulders, my thighs, even the arches of my feet reminded me with cruel clarity that I had chosen this path.

The morning light filtering through the apartment curtains felt too soft, too gentle for the way I felt inside. I sat hunched over at the kitchen counter, sipping a cup of water, not coffee, I didn’t want anything to dull the edge. Spooky entered the kitchen and stood across from me, watching me with that knowing look only he could wear so well.

“You’re hurting. You didn’t even eat last night,” he said with concern.

I shrugged. “It’s fine. I'm just sore, but I will be okay.”