Chapter 393. I Need Control

Apphia’s POV

Conceding defeat and far too exhausted to keep waiting, I finally push myself out of bed. My body feels heavy, weighed down by the tension of anticipation that has nowhere to go. The room is silent except for the faint ticking of the ornate clock on the wall and the soft hum of the castle at night—distant, muted, alive without me.

I slip the silk robe from my shoulders and fold it carefully, my fingers lingering on the fabric for a second longer than necessary. The blood-red lingerie beneath suddenly feels foolish, almost embarrassing, like a confession made to someone who never arrived to hear it. I change into a simple black silk nightgown, the kind that doesn’t ask questions or expect anything in return. It slides easily over my skin, cool and smooth, familiar and safe.

When I crawl back into bed, the sheets are still warm fro