The room had not changed.
Not really.
The same soft light filtered through the tall windows, casting pale gold across the floor. The same curtains swayed gently with the breeze. The same faint scent of lavender lingered in the air.
Everything looked… peaceful.
But it didn't feel that way anymore.
Aliena sat upright in bed, her back resting against the headboard, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Too tightly. Her fingers pressed into each other as though she needed something—anything—to hold onto.
Because inside her…
Nothing felt steady.
Not her thoughts.
Not her heart.
Not even the memories she had clung to just hours ago.
Her gaze remained fixed on the door.
It had been a while.
She didn't know how long.
Minutes? Hours?
Time felt strange when your mind wouldn't stop replaying the same words over and over again.
"They always are."
Aliena swallowed hard.
