>>Aelin
The room was dim, lit only by soft, flickering candlelight that cast golden shadows along the walls. The scent of warmed amber and lavender drifted through the air, clinging to the silk curtains and polished marble. I sank slowly onto the cushioned massage bed, grateful that at least the towel wrapped around me gave some illusion of comfort.
I pulled my hair to one side and let it fall gently off my shoulder. The silence was soft and comfortable—just the hush of a room meant to lull every sense. My pulse still hadn't settled. Ariston and I had pulled off the bluff, but the real game was only beginning.
I still couldn't believe I was doing something so bold and daring.
The past me could have never imagined doing something like this. Not the weak, timid Aelin.
Along with the thought, came the realization that so much had changed in my life. I had started to become a different person.
A type of person that I liked myself to be.
!!
I heard the door creak open behind me.
