Veryon?

The morning light filtered through the curtains, painting soft streaks of gold across the stone walls of my room. I lay still, staring at the ceiling, my body aching from the weight of emotions and responsibilities that had piled up over the past few days.

Maidservant Tae's death still lingered in my thoughts, a dull ache in my chest that refused to fade. It wasn't just his loss—it was the ripple effect it caused, the reminder of how fragile everything was. I had been trying to find my footing, trying to recover, but it felt like every step forward was met with another obstacle.

Lucius, ever the dutiful protector, had brought Yuva and Layla to my side. They were capable, sharp, and intimidating in their own right, but their constant vigilance only added to the tension surrounding me. They barely spoke, their focus always on their duties, and the awkwardness between us hung in the air like an invisible wall.