Chapter 5

“Is there a problem here?”

The voice was sharp—like steel slicing through the thick fog in my mind. I blinked, vision clearing just enough to see her.

She stepped into the dim hallway light, clad in dark training leathers, sleeves rolled up like she didn’t have time for nonsense. She wasn’t tall, but the confidence she carried made her seem like a giant. Short, messy hair framed a face that said, ‘Try me.’

The warriors stiffened.

“We were just—” the sneering one started.

“Leaving,” she snapped, not giving him the chance to finish.

And just like that, they scattered like roaches when the light flicks on.

She turned to me, her sharp glare softening slightly. “You, okay?” she asked while helping me stand.

I nodded, though my heart was still sprinting like it owed someone money.

She tilted her head, studying me. “You must be Elara. I’m Astrid.”

Nyx’s voice in my head was smug. “I like her. Keep her.”

Astrid glanced at my