Apologies and the Interrupted Claiming

**Thalia**

I drifted up from a dense, suffocating slumber. My body felt leaden, hollowed out by the sheer magical exhaustion of healing Cora’s mind. Despite the lingering ache in my bones, a deep instinct told me I was safe. Rylan was here. His familiar, intoxicating scent of mint and rain wrapped around my senses, chasing away the cold that clung to my chest. Heavy, comforting warmth seeped into