Chapter 60: the duty we must betray.

Lynn knocked softly on the bedroom door.

When there was no reply, she let herself in, finding the hearth burning low and a thin beam of silvery moonlight slipping between the curtains. Two evenings from now, the moon would vanish entirely, and the darkest night of the year would descend upon the world. The Firelight celebration would be held in every city across Sidralis, lighting countless bonfires and praying fervently to keep the Deep at bay throughout the long, cold night.

The sleeping girl stirred but didn't wake.

Coppery curls were spread across the pillow, and the sheets had become disheveled in her sleep—perhaps a nightmare of sorts. Although she wore a nightgown, the material had ridden up on her exposed leg, revealing a motley patchwork of bruises on her upper thigh.

Lynn bit the inside of her cheek and tasted blood.