Bab 588: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 1

ELIA

Elia had woken in the room alone and her chest went tight.

She'd laid in the furs, staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out how much time had passed. Why no one was there. Jayah had stayed with her in Reth and Aymora's absence, but the wolf was gone now.

Had it been a trick? Had she left Elia to shift, or be forced to walk around, to harm Elreth?

Where was Gahrye? Had he left already? Taken his opportunity with Reth consumed by the elders and Lerrin, and gone to Kalle? She half-hoped he had, but she was frightened of that, too. It was too soon. Reth would notice if he was gone…

Her heart pounded so hard she felt it in her skin. Her head buzzed, anxious thoughts looping—but that only made her beast push and snarl within her, wanting to come out, to protect her from the danger.

Elia closed her eyes and gripped the furs and prayed. Prayed, and prayed.