I slept well.
Perhaps it was the most peaceful sleep I had known since arriving in this world.
No nightmares. No interruptions from the system. No memories from past lives to haunt me.
When I awoke, the sky outside was dim with the first light of dawn — on which day, I couldn't have said.
"Your Highness!"
Before I had even opened my eyes, a trembling, tear-choked voice reached my ears.
Before I even opened my eyes, a voice, trembling with worry, broke the silence.
"Leila." I winced against the sudden light and turned my head toward the small figure kneeling beside my bed, her face streaked with tears and snot.
"You're awake. You nearly scared me to death." She clung to my hand, sniffling.
"I'm alive," I said with a hoarse laugh, pushing myself upright.
Sunlight spilled through the window, warming my skin despite the winter chill, a gentle contrast to the biting sea winds of Verelen.
