Meredith.
Azul met my gaze, unwavering. "You deserve more than you realize, my lady. And we will remind you of that every single day if we must."
For the first time since waking that morning, the tension in my body eased. My siblings were coming, yes—but I wasn't that defenseless girl anymore. I had Draven, and I had these three by my side. Their loyalty wasn't something that could be bought or traded. It was mine, unshakable.
And suddenly, I realized—I wasn't facing this day alone.
---
The clink of silverware against porcelain filled the breakfast hall, yet the air felt heavier than usual.
I sat at the long table, idly stirring my tea, while Wanda pushed food around her plate as if every bite were poison. Her hands trembled faintly when she lifted her fork, and she barely looked up from her meal.
I pretended not to stare, but it was impossible to ignore the way her face tightened every time someone entered the room—as though she feared who might walk in.
