Chapter 39

Moonlight tumblesthrough the arched windows, cascading down the frescoed walls and polished shelves of the Grand Library as I step out into the hushed corridor. Aleksander stands near the wall, an easy smile planted across his face.

"Hello, Annora."

"Hello."

"You seemed lost in thought just now." A playful note enters his tone as he continues. "I've always believed a good book can do that, sweep you away until you forget everything else around you."

I nod, knowing the truth of his words all too well.

"Yes, it's easy to lose oneself in the pages." I lean against the wall, lingering in the corridor instead of returning to the bedchamber I share with Jasce. There's something in me not willing to face him yet.

I press my palms to the cool stone behind me and let out a slow exhale.

"Tell me," Aleksander says. "How are you finding Sharhavva? Does it compare to your beloved Bakva?"

"It's...different," I admit. "Vast and vibrant. But my heart yearns for my sisters." The truth escapes my lips before I think of bridling it.

Aleksander nods, as if he understands the sentiment all too well. "Our families have a way of holding onto our hearts." He pauses before adding with a softer tone, "But perhaps in time, you will come to think of us as family."

I smile as I think of the time I spent with Zerah in the library. "Perhaps."

Aleksander slips a hand into his cloak and pulls out a book bound in deep red leather. "For you," he says, extending the book toward me.

I hesitate for a breath before taking it from him. The cover is embossed with intricate symbols that dance beneath my touch.

"What is this?" I ask.

"A piece of history from our archives," he says. "Stories of powerful mages from an era long past. I thought it might resonate with you."

As I flip through the pages, they fan out like wings eager for flight.

He speaks as I continue to look through the pages. "Zerah told me how much you enjoy reading, and you mentioned wanting to learn about Sharhavva."

"Thank you," I say, tucking the book close to my chest.

"Enjoy." He offers a bow and walks away.

I clutch the book tighter and head toward the bedchamber. My feet drag the closer I get, but I force myself onward, knowing I have no wish to be a coward. If I were, I would find a different bedchamber to sleep in.

I push open the door and step inside. The crackle of dying embers cast a dim glow in the room as I look around, but it's empty.

I cross to the washing stand and pick up the pitcher. The sweet scent of lavender fills the air as I pour the cool water into the basin and splash my face with it.

Next, I slip out of my clothes and into a simple nightdress. The fabric whispers against my skin as I move toward the bed. I climb onto the mattress, fold back the covers, and slide between them.

My mind churns with thoughts of Jasce, of where he might be, of what he might be thinking.

I try to settle into sleep, but restlessness grips me. I turn onto my side, bunching the pillow under my head.

My body longs for sleep, for some escape from this relentless cycle of worry and uncertainty, but it remains elusive.

The bed creaks as I shift to my back and stare up at the ceiling. What if Asha and her army are closer than we think? What if they're planning to attack Sharhavva under the cover of darkness?

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block out the relentless thoughts, but they refuse to be silenced. They grow louder, more insistent, until they're all I can hear.

When I can no longer bear it, I throw back the covers and climb out of bed. I make my way over to the table where a jar of wine sits. With steady hands, I pour myself a generous goblet full.

As I drink, I conjure up calming memories, like spending time with Emerin and Tahira in the gardens of Bakva.

I drain the last drops of wine, savoring the way it leaves my limbs feeling loose and my mind pleasantly fuzzy. Lightness takes over as I set the empty goblet aside and make my way back to the bed, allowing my scattered thoughts to drift away as I climb beneath the covers.

Hopefully, sleep will claim me soon and grant me a few hours of blessed oblivion.