Selene spent two days in bed rest as Mara had ordered.
Two days of lying in her bunk while her body recovered from the bond's torture. Two days of taking the tonic the healer had sent. Two days of pretending the medicine was what was helping when really it was the memory of Damian's proximity that had given her any relief at all.
The other servants checked on her occasionally. Liora brought her food and water. Even Berta stopped by once to make sure she wasn't dying.
"Don't get used to resting, girl," the massive cook had grumbled. "The kitchens need you back soon as you're able."
"Yes, ma'am."
But mostly, Selene was left alone. Which gave her too much time to think. Too much time to replay what had happened in that corridor. Too much time to analyze every word Damian had said, every gesture he'd made.
"I'll always catch you."
The promise echoed in her mind. Quiet. Intense. Absolute.
