I was starting to like having you all to myself here

The infirmary was quieter than usual, the soft hum of the distant breeze outside filtering through the open windows. Sunlight streamed in, casting warm patches of light on the stone floor, and I felt the warmth on my skin as I sat on the edge of the bed, watching the nurse finish her examination.

She had a gentle touch, her fingers cool against my skin, but my mind was elsewhere, drifting to thoughts of Ciara.

"You're healing well, Aeliana," the nurse said, her voice pulling me back to the present. "Another week here, just for observation, and then you'll be free to return to your daily life. Maybe even go back home if you feel up to it."

I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips at the thought of leaving the infirmary. It had been comforting in its own way, but I was eager to be out, to feel the freedom of moving through the castle without restrictions.