Chapter 19: Rowan’s Last Attempt

The quiet of the guest chamber settles heavily around me, thick as the twilight pressing against the windows. I sit on the edge of the bed, elbows on my knees, fingers woven through my hair. My thoughts are a blur sharp one moment, dull the next as if my mind itself can’t decide whether to collapse or fight. Phoenix fire hums just beneath the surface of my skin. Restless. Watching. Waiting. It knows something is coming. It always knows. A soft knock breaks the stillness. Before I can answer,...