Chapter 143Sonia's POV
When my eyes fluttered open, the room was cloaked in soft light. The fire in the hearth had burned down to glowing embers, their warmth wrapping around me like a blanket. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn't waking to a nightmare or to the cold bite of a dungeon floor.
I was warm.
I was rested.
And, damn it, I felt safe.
A sigh slipped out as I stretched, the sheets sliding against my skin. Hours ago, I'd been terrified of this place, convinced it was a trap. Now, staring at the sunlight spilling through the dusty window, I almost wished I could stay buried in this bed forever.
But the fragile comfort I felt shattered in an instant.
The hairs at the back of my neck prickled. A heavy presence thickened the air, pressing on my senses. I wasn't alone.
Slowly, I turned my head toward the door.
A shadow. A figure.
My body jolted upright, my heart hammering. "Who is there?"
The man stepped forward, and my breath caught in my throat.
