~ELOWEN'S POV~
A few minutes earlier...
After the physician and the maid left, my lashes parted just a little, only enough to catch a blur of movement through the narrow slit.
Sylion's broad back stood by the door, his shoulders tensed. For a moment, I wondered if he could hear how fast my heart was beating.
I should have shifted, sat up, or said something but instead, I closed my eyes again, sinking deeper into the pillow. Instinct told me to stay still, listen, and watch him without being seen.
He turned, and I quickly shut my eyes. Slowly, he dragged a chair and set it beside me. The sound of wood scraping against the floor echoed faintly as I kept my breathing steady, even, feigning unconsciousness.
His voice, low and restrained, said, "Elowen… I won't let anyone hurt you. Not Alaric, the council or even yourself."
