Chapter 181

Maren

The first thing I notice is how quiet it is inside me.

Not empty—settled.

I wake slowly, like the world is easing me back instead of dragging me up by the spine. My breath comes steady. My heart doesn’t race. For the first time I can remember, there’s no argument under my ribs, no competing pull between instinct and tide.

Just… me.

I lie there for a long moment, afraid to move in case the ba