𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐄
It was like the day knew something was coming as I looked out the window and then assessed myself in the mirror again.
Dressed in a new all-black tactical bodysuit, my curls were tamed into a crown braid that did nothing to hide the shadows under my eyes. Sleeping had been out of the question completely, and even as Mikhail held me, I had kept my mother's urn in my arms just to keep me calmer.
The knock on the door spooked me, and I took my time recovering. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the door. Mikhail stood on the other side, dressed in dark combat gear that made him look like he was preparing for war instead of a ceremonial duel. His eyes swept over me once, assessing, before he stepped inside without a word.
"It's time," he said quietly.
