25

It was dark when Venyra awoke, the sounds of a storm waged outside; rain and the occasional flash of lightning. Inside, the room was black as pitch, even the light from the coals had dissipated. Blankets covered her. She was warm, but not hot, as she would expect. Where was Xavien?

She propped herself onto her elbows, muscles in her shoulders and thighs twinged as she moved. Instantly, her thought