I got up long before the servants came to wake me and prepared myself for the day ahead. I had no idea what awaited me, but despite my nervousness, I was determined. When a young servant came through the door, I was already dressed in my new black kefta and ready to go.
"What's your name?" I smiled at her, hoping to establish a friendly connection, but she didn't want to tell me. She looks like she's scared of me. I realised. We walked together, our footsteps echoing on the stone floor as she led through the hall. As we turned the corner, I noticed a figure dressed in black approaching us.
"You're up early," he raised an eyebrow, surprised to see me. With a single nod, he dismissed the servant, gesturing for me to follow. "Did you sleep well?" he asked as we walked down the stairs side by side.
"Not so well," I admitted. "But I had a dream about being back in Fjerda."
"A good dream?" he inquired.
"It was rather confusing," I replied, feeling a mix of emotions. We stopped in front of a large door.
"I trust that after a day of training, you'll find better rest," he sailed pleasantly. "Good luck today," he wished me, turning to leave.
"Are you not joining me?" I asked, feeling a hint of disappointment.
"I rarely eat there," he explained. "Besides, I'm certain you alone will bring enough excitement, even without my presence," he said, his lips forming a slight smile before he left with a small bow.
Stepping inside, I found myself in a bustling hall filled with Grisha enjoying their breakfast. They sat at four long tables arranged in a square at the centre of the room, once again grouped according to their orders. Some stood by the samovars in the corners, while others lounged on divans, engaging in conversation.
As I walked in, the energy in the room shifted, and all eyes turned towards me, the room falling almost silent. Feeling unsure of what to do next, my gaze landed on Alisa - the Squaller I had met in Kyrsk. She waved at me with a warm smile. Gratefully, I took a seat next to her. I wasn't keen on answering another dose of her endless questions, but I was relieved to see a friendly face.
She introduced me to the Grisha seated closest to us. There was Nadia, a Squaller with dark skin and braided hair, accompanied by her best friend Maria, a brown-haired Inferni. To my horror, they were just as curious as Alisa and they enjoyed fabricating crazy theories about me and the Darkling. Sitting across from me were Ivo and Eskil. Ivo, with his green eyes and kind smile, was a Tidemaker, while Eskil was a Squaller.
"Eskil..." I said. "That doesn't sound very Ravkan."
"Esje nær!" he replied in Fjerdan, confirming my observation. He embodied the stereotypical Fjerdan image, tall, blond, and blue-eyed. He was a little distant, but he seemed kind and it was comforting to know I wasn't the only Fjerdan in the Little Palace.
As I ate, they all watched me with a mixture of curiosity and fascination, as if I were some exotic creature. Soon enough, the questions began.
"How many Drüskelle did you kill?" Maria started.
"I heard she killed hundreds but then lost her powers!" Ivo chimed in.
"She didn't lose them, I told you she used them during the coach incident!" Alisa said. "She surrounded the man with shadows, and then he was covered in blood, dead. I saw it with my own eyes. But only the Saints know what happened in the dark!"
"Did you kill the rest of them like this?" Nadia widened her eyes.
I paused for a moment, collecting my thoughts. "I did kill that man, but as for the ones that captured me, I don't know. They were unconscious, but I'm not sure if they were dead. I didn't really have the time to check their vitals, I was too busy trying to get the hell away."
"Wow," Maria sighed, her eyes wide.
Alisa couldn't resist adding another question, "Did you find out if you're the Darkling's lost sister?"
"Sister?" I lifted an eyebrow. "Last time you only asked if I was his relative."
"Yeah, but that was before he assigned you to the T'ma suite!" she exclaimed.
Eskil noticed my confusion. "The T'ma suite was specifically designed by Darkling's orders ages ago, but no one has ever lived there before. He personally chose all the furniture, and it resembles his own chambers," he explained. "Plus the name - it means darkness, so it's obvious it was meant for a shadow summoner, so he must have known about your existence."
"And considering it's so close to his chambers, we figured you might be a close relative, someone he really trusts," Alisa added, her eyes wide with fascination.
"That... is strange," I muttered. "He explicitly told me that he's quite certain we are not related."
"Maybe he's lying," Nadia suggested after a pause, unwilling to let go of their theory. "Perhaps the Darkling wants to keep your true identity a secret for some reason."
"Or maybe there's something else. Maybe he discovered the existence of another lineage and was trying to find you!" Alisa proposed.
This is getting a bit out of hand.
"But why would he place her so close to him?" Nadia inquired.
"Because she's not his sister, but his bride!" Maria exclaimed triumphantly. I nearly choked on my coffee. "What on earth are you talking about?" I laughed.
"It makes sense!" Maria defended her outrageous theory. "He looks down on all of us, so he would only want someone who is the same!"
"Don't be ridiculous," a beautiful dark haired Squaller whom I hadn't been introduced to interjected, her face flushed with anger. "He doesn't look down on us, and he has no intention in making her his bride," she insisted firmly, standing up.
"Finally, a voice of reason," I smiled at her, but she ignored me. "He wouldn't spare a glance for a Fjerdan filth like you," she hissed, marching off before I could respond. My jaw dropped.
"Ignore her," Eskil rolled his eyes. "Zoya's just jealous because she can't stand the idea of somebody else being the Darkling's favourite," he laughed.
I didn't say anything, my gaze fixed on the door through which she had left.
…
I let out a sigh of relief as I left the crowded dining hall, eager to escape the endless chatter and outlandish theories of the other Summoners. Svetlana guided me to the library, where I spent a blissful two hours surrounded by ancient books. My fingers traced gently along their spines, savouring the familiar scent of aged pages. I've been given a stack of books on Grisha history and theory, but thanks to my mother's interest in "getting to know the enemy," I had already read most of them. This might not be so bad.
Next on our agenda was combat training in the stables. Our instructor, a former mercenary from Shu Han, didn't have any Grisha abilities, but he had a remarkable talent for violence.
We started with endurance drills that almost completely drained my energy. I felt tired and weak, but the adrenaline kept me going as we moved on to sparring drills. Surprisingly, Botkin insisted on partnering with me. We circled each other cautiously, our eyes locked, each analysing every move of the other.
My father had taught me how to fight, and years of living alone in the borderlands had given me plenty of chances to put those skills to the test. I wasn't completely helpless, but Botkin was still a trained mercenary and I didn't have any formal training, so I knew I had to make my strikes count.
I lunged forward, throwing a quick jab at his face. He dodged it effortlessly, moving with practised grace. I immediately followed with a low kick, directing it towards his knee. However, Botkin raised his leg in a swift motion, blocking my attempt without breaking a sweat.
We traded blows, each strike met with either a block or a dodge. My movements were driven by instinct and determination, while Botkin's responses were precise and calculated.
Surprisingly, I managed to land a swift hook, grazing Botkin's cheek. He staggered for a moment, his eyes flickering with surprise. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly followed with another punch, causing him to stagger back.
As I readied for another strike, Botkin's expertise took over. His uppercut struck my jaw, sending me tumbling to the ground. Exhaustion and disappointment washed over me.
"You fight like a survivor," Botkin spoke in a heavy Shu accent, his voice now tinged with respect. "You lack discipline and understanding, but I see potential in you."
With those words, Botkin extended his hand, offering assistance to help me up.
"Get up, we need to go," Svetlana appeared behind me. "You're supposed to meet Baghra in five minutes."
"Who?" I asked, confused as I accepted Botkin's help gratefully.
"No time," Svetlana answered. "I'll tell you on the way." I could barely walk with fatigue as she dragged me across the grounds.
She led me to a lakeshore and pointed at a little stone hut covered with the forest around it.
"There?" I widened my eyes.
"Hurry up. You really don't want to be late," she said. "And… good luck." Great. The sympathy in her voice definitely made me feel better.
I hesitated for a moment, noticing the lack of windows, before making my way up the steps to the door. I knocked, but there was no response. Growing increasingly nervous, I knocked again, my heart pounding in my chest. With a deep breath, I pushed the door open.
A surge of heat immediately washed over me, causing sweat to form on my brow and trickle down my temples. The hut was small and filled with humble furnishing. I noticed a narrow bed, a basin, and a stove with a kettle atop it.
Wait, does somebody actually live here?
There were also two chairs, positioned near the fire that blazed in a large tile oven.
"You're late," a harsh voice pierced the air, making me startle. "Shut the door, girl. You're letting the heat out." I quickly complied, closing the door behind me with a thud.
Taking a moment to calm myself, I approached the fire. Contrary to my expectations, the woman before me was not an ancient hag. She just sounds like one and lives like one, I thought. She wore a faded kefta of an indeterminate colour and clutched a cane in her hand. As she rose from her chair, she began to light candles around the hut, illuminating the small space.
Baghra's eyes narrowed as she observed me with disdain. "So you're the impossible shadow summoner, hm? Go on then," she spoke. "Show me what you can do." I closed my eyes, trying to drift away from the hut and tap into my powers. "I don't have all day, girl!" Baghra sneered, interrupting my concentration.
"I'm sorry… I just… just give me a minute," I muttered apologetically, closing my eyes once more. It took some time, but I eventually found my shadows, summoning a small orb of darkness. I looked at Baghra, hoping to see a glimmer of approval.
Instead, she burst into laughter, her scornful voice reverberating off the stone walls. "Is that all?" she jeered. "A speck of darkness? I've witnessed children conjure more impressive displays during their bedtime stories."
Her words hurt me, but I was determined to prove myself. I summoned the shadows again, focusing with all my might, but I still wasn't able to summon more than a small orb. Baghra's laughter intensified, filling the cramped space of the hut and amplifying my frustration.
I made numerous attempts, pushing myself to summon more shadows with each try, but the improvement was barely visible and definitely not enough to satisfy Baghra.
"Pathetic," she sneered. "You have no control over your powers, do you? You're not a shadow summoner, just a clumsy fool stumbling in the dark!"
Angry and determined, I stood up, ready to defend myself, when I noticed shadows slithering up the walls. Darkness filled the room, swallowing the light from the fire and candles, leaving only faint flickers.
"Good," Baghra nodded like she expected it. "Not completely useless. But not enough. You have to learn to control your power with your mind, not your heart." She pointed at the door. "That's enough for our first lesson." Confused, I stared at her. "Are you deaf? Get out!" she snapped, leaving no room for argument.
…
The following days passed in a whirlwind. Each meal with the summoners brought a fresh wave of speculation and rumours surrounding me and the Darkling. Maria had woven a new theory, now believing in an ancient prophecy that foretold the existence of two shadow summoners destined for each other. Meanwhile, Ivo had heard whispers of the Druskelle infecting me with a mysterious virus that had robbed me of my powers, and Baghra was now working to heal me. I quite liked this one. It steered attention away from the Darkling and his intentions with me and I secretly hoped it would make others avoid me in fear of contagion.
Amidst their endless chatter and wild theories, they seemed genuinely friendly towards me. The rest of the Grisha were either openly hostile or strangely clingy, hoping to get closer to the Darkling through me. They assumed we were somehow close, but in truth, I rarely saw him, and he hadn't spoken to me since he accompanied me to the dining hall on my first day.
Despite despising every minute of it, I continued my daily visits to Baghra. It was somewhat comforting to know that I wasn't the only one who dreaded our time together; Svetlana reassured me that nobody had a smooth experience with her.
Under Botkin's training, I noticed gradual improvements in myself, feeling stronger and more skilled with each passing day. But despite my physical exhaustion, sleep didn't come easily. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the Darkling, pondering why he suddenly felt so distant.
I tried to convince myself that I was comfortable with it, that I actually preferred it that way. On our journey to Os Alta, I let him get too close to me, I let my guard down and I allowed him to see my weaknesses. It's better this way, I told myself, but deep down, I knew it was a lie. I couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to see him, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was keeping tabs on me or if he simply didn't care at all.
I don't know how many days had passed when Alisa informed me that the King was soon returning from his hunting trip. "You're lucky he was away," Alisa remarked. "But you'll have to meet him soon."
Deep in thought, I stared at the Darkling's empty chair. "Is the Darkling with him?" I asked with a sudden interest. I haven't seen him for days.
"Hmm?" Alisa looked puzzled.
"Is the Darkling away with the king?" I repeated the question.
"No, he's here," she shrugged. "Why?"
A sinking feeling settled in my stomach. "No reason, I just... haven't seen him for some time."
"Well, he's a busy man. We don't actually see him that often," Alisa grinned mischievously. "Do you miss him?" she teased. I was tired from their constant prodding, so I simply gave her a weary smile and excused myself, making my way to Baghra's hut.
As usual, Baghra was seated in one of the chairs and gestured for me to sit opposite her. "Summon for me," she commanded.
I summoned an orb of shadow. Every day it was slightly larger than the previous one, but the progress was slow and not really significant.
"More," Baghra's voice echoed in my ears.
Closing my eyes, I strained to push my powers to their maximum.
"More!"
"I can't!" I protested, feeling the pressure mounting within me, threatening to overwhelm.
"More!"
I groaned in frustration as I pushed my powers to their limit, the orb above my hand briefly tripling in size before I collapsed to the ground.
"Get up, girl!" Baghra's voice was cold and unforgiving. I sat back on the chair, wiping the blood from my nose as she continued. You haven't earned the right to rest. Your progress is pitiful."
Frustration welled up within me as I tried to defend myself. "If the Darkling was here to amplify me, maybe-"
Baghra interrupted sharply, her tone dripping with mockery. "Then what? He would hold your hand and make everything better?"
"Is he to be your personal amplifier from now on? I'm sure the General has nothing more important on his agenda," she shook her head. "Your powers won't obey you until you finally accept them as a part of you," she said.
"But I did accept them," I protested.
"Did you?" she challenged. "How did you feel about being Grisha? Were you happy? Proud? Or did you secretly pray to the Saints every night to take your powers away, to make you normal like mommy and daddy?" She continued mockingly.
She wasn't entirely wrong. "That... was a long time ago, and it was only because I was scared of being discovered. I was never ashamed of them!"
"Do you want a prize for that?" Baghra snapped. "But as you wish. Get up, we're going to the lake."
At the lakeshore, she gripped my wrist tightly, and a surge of power flowed through me. "You're an amplifier," I whispered. "Just like the Darkling."
"Now show me what you really can do."
I closed my eyes, tapping into the depths of my power, feeling Baghra's amplification surging within me. The surroundings plunged into darkness as the shadows on the water writhed and twisted, resembling serpents in their movements. Yet, their reach fell short, unable to extend even quarterway across the vast expanse of the lake.
"That's not all," Baghra's frustration was evident. "There's much more power in you. Release it! Stop resisting!"
With my eyes squeezed shut, I pushed myself to the limit, drawing upon every ounce of strength, but the shadows barely moved. Exhausted and drained, I collapsed to the ground again, as Baghra let go of my wrist, her gaze filled with disdain.
Then she swung her cane at me, the silvery wood connecting with my arm. Pain shot through me, and I pulled back, clutching my throbbing limb.
"What a pathetic excuse of a Grisha! You're not worthy of being a shadow summoner," she hissed, her voice filled with disgust.
"Enough!" I exploded. "I will not be bullied like this!"
"Don't you dare speak to me like that, you insolent child!" She retorted, hitting me again with her cane.
"I speak to you as you deserve! Do you truly believe that belittling and attacking me will make me better? What kind of inept teacher believes in methods like that? I would rather return to Fjerda than subject myself to your pitiful lack of respect for others. I'm done with you, I'm done." I yelled, turning my back on Baghra and storming out.
Who does she think she is?!
I stumbled my way through the winding corridors, getting lost more than once, before finally finding my way back to the T'ma suite. Disgust, anger, and sadness mingled within me, weighing me down. What am I going to do? Are they going to send me away? Darkling saved me, Grisha died because of me and I let everyone down. What will happen when the Darkling finds out that not only I'm useless, but I'm also unwilling to learn?
I asked servants to draw me a bath, and as I relaxed in the hot water, Darkling's words suddenly echoed in my mind. What did he mean by saying I had amends to make? Was he suggesting that I should apologise to my powers?
It felt odd, but I decided to give it a try, willing to try anything. Closing my eyes, I let my mind drift away from the warmth of the water and the comfort of the T'ma suite into nothingness. I walked around the void in my mind, calling upon my shadows, but I struggled to find them. It almost felt like they were intentionally hiding from me.
Stop resisting me, I shouted into the nothingness, frustrated. You are my powers, you belong to me, not to Baghra or the Darkling. You're supposed to obey me, not them!
I sensed movement in the darkness, an energy that brimmed with anger, even fiercer than my own. Come to me! I yelled, feeling one of the shadows push against me. You're a part of me, you're mine. You have to obey me!
Desperate to get hold of the shadows, I reached out, but they slipped through my fingers like smoke. Why won't you listen? I demanded, frustration tainting my voice. You are mine! We are bound together!
The shadows surged forward, their movements growing more aggressive. They enveloped me, enclosing me in a suffocating darkness. As the shadows tightened their grip, their anger seeped into my very core. But amidst their fury, a new sensation pulsed through the darkness — I could feel their pain.
As I focused my thoughts, a wave of overpowering sadness washed over me, bringing me to my knees. I felt the depth of their hurt, the wounds caused by years of hiding, shame, and neglect. My shadows were not only weakened by my escape; they were hurt and angry that I had never fully embraced them as a part of me. I had only called upon them in moments of danger or boredom, never truly appreciating their power.
I… I understand, I whispered, my voice trembling with remorse. With a determined gesture, I reached out my hand into the dark. The shadows responded, swirling and shifting around me. They were not hiding within the darkness, I realised; they were the darkness itself.There were so many of them, so much power that I had never used.
I am sorry, I continued. I was afraid. I was afraid of the people, but I was also afraid of you. When my parents labelled all Grisha as abominations, a part of me… I believed them. That's why I pushed you away. I only used you when I felt like it, never giving you the care you needed. I am truly sorry.
The shadows swirled faster and faster, growing in size and strength as they surrounded me. Their movement became a mesmerising dance of power, giving me the courage I needed.
I don't believe my parents anymore. You are a beautiful gift, an essential part of who I am. I still feel fear, I can't deny it, but I am trying. I promise to learn, to nurture our connection, and to appreciate your power. We are one, inseparable. You are mine, just as much as I am yours, I declared, my voice steady and resolute.
And with those words, the movement ceased. I opened my eyes and stepped out of the bathtub, water dripping onto the wooden floor. I held my hands in front of me, palms facing upwards, as the shadows emerged from within me. A sense of calm washed over me as I exhaled, watching in amazement as they filled the room, casting it into impenetrable darkness. The Darkling was right, I had amends to make, but I was so blinded, he understood that better than I did. And as hard as it was to admit, Baghra was right too.
For the first time in my life, I didn't feel guilty for summoning my powers. I could feel myself growing stronger, the weight of shame and fear lifting from my shoulders. I remembered Svetlana's words: "You'll feel different once you start using them without fear of being caught, you'll see."
My joy was interrupted by a sudden intrusion. Something was wrong, I felt someone's focus on my shadows, touching them, trying to take control.
"Klara," a familiar voice came behind me. I turned to see the Darkling approaching, his hand extended cautiously as if calming a wild creature.
What is he doing here?! This is my room. My Shadows. My privacy. How dare he?!
With a swift motion of my hand, I summoned a curtain of shadows to shield my nakedness, creating a barrier between us. I glared at him, my anger burning in my eyes.
"What are you doing here?!" I snapped, my voice filled with outrage. He stopped, surprise evident in his eyes as he noticed a thick tendril of darkness wrapping around his waist, preventing him from coming any closer.
"So you are in control," he remarked, raising an eyebrow.
"You bet I am in control," I retorted, snapping my fingers. He watched as my shadows coiled around his wrists, restraining him even more, and a dark smile curled on his lips. "As much as I would enjoy sparring with you, miss Solberg, this isn't the time or place to do so," he said, slowly turning his gaze back at me. "I suggest you release me before I am compelled to do so myself," his tone had a hint of menace.
"Not until you answer me!" I protested, not willing to budge. "Were you not taught to knock before entering someone's room?! Or do the basic principles of respect not apply to the Dark General?" His eyes narrowed as I continued. "You left me at the mercy of Baghra and your Grisha, half of whom look at me like a curiosity and the other like filth, and then after a week you barge into my room like nothing without bothering to knock. I was bathing!"
He dismissed my tone, his gaze unwavering. "I see that you clearly expect the worst from me," he responded, a bitter edge in his voice. "But I assure you there were several knocks," he said calmly, nodding towards the entrance. My eyes widened as I noticed two familiar Heartrenders and an Oprichnik standing in the open doorway.
"They can't see or hear us through this," he explained, nodding to the enveloping darkness around us. "I am happy to provide you with an explanation of this… intrusion, right after I dismissed my guards." he looked at the shadows restraining him with a lifted eyebrow.
Frowning, I dissipated part of the shadows with a flick of my hand, revealing the Darkling to the bewildered men who were still lingering at the door.
"Leave us," he waved his hand dismissively.
"But, Moi soverenyi," one of the Heartrenders started, concern audible in his voice.
"Leave. Us." Darkling repeated, each word a command. They quickly departed, leaving us alone in the room.
As soon as the door closed behind them, my shadows securely wrapped back around the Darkling, restraining him again. To my exasperation, his eyes flickered with amusement.
"The servant who brought you dinner nearly fainted when she saw darkness seeping from under your door and spreading through the hallway. She ran away screaming, which brought them here," he nodded towards the closed door. "But since they couldn't see or hear anything and there was no response to their calls and..." he looked at me meaningfully, "...knocks, they summoned me." I stayed silent, unsure of how to react.
"Quite a display of power," he continued, studying my face. "Does this happen every time you take your clothes off?" he asked, a sudden mischievous sparkle in his eyes. I noticed his gaze shift towards the shadows that enveloped me for the briefest moment before returning to meet mine.
Understanding the implications, I quickly drew another portion of the shadows towards me, making sure I'm completely covered. He held my gaze for a few moments before effortlessly breaking free from the grip of my shadows and removing his kefta in one smooth motion. He closed the distance between us, and gently placed his kefta on my shoulders. Standing behind me, his breath brushed against my ear as he spoke.
"You might have forgotten, but I too am a shadow summoner," he said, moving to stand in front of me. "I can see through the shadows," his eyes locked onto mine, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
I quickly turned away, my cheeks burning. Clutching his kefta tightly around me, I couldn't help but notice its rich scent — deep oud wood with a touch of juniper and musk.
I felt extremely exposed. Not only because I stood naked in front of him a minute ago, or because the only thing covering me now was his kefta, but mainly because he saw me in such a vulnerable moment or reconnecting with my powers. It felt almost sacred to me before his intrusion.
"I am sorry for violating your privacy," he grew serious as if he could read my mind. "I saw you standing in the middle of a room, all wet and apparently in some kind of trance. I wasn't sure what was happening and if you were in control."
"I know," I nodded. "I'm sorry for yelling, I just-"
"It was well deserved," he gestured, signalling there's no need to apologise. "Shall we sit?" he asked. I gestured towards the sofa, quickly slipping my arms through the sleeves of his kefta. We sat side by side, his proximity only adding to my nervousness.
"So... what exactly did I just witness?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on me.
I fidgeted with my hands, missing the ring I had taken off before the bath. "Well... today didn't go exactly well," I began, my voice betraying a hint of apprehension.
"I heard about your encounter with Baghra," he interjected.
He knows? But he doesn't seem… angry.
"I wanted to reconnect with my powers without being simultaneously beaten by a cane," I said. "And then I remembered what you told me." Anxious, I unconsciously dug my nails into my forearm – an old nervous habit I couldn't seem to shake.
"You made amends," he replied, his expression softening with understanding.
"I truly believed I had accepted them," I confessed. "I never realised how much it hurt them when I kept them hidden. It felt as though they truly despised me."
"That tells me a lot about you, more than you might think," he said softly, reaching out to gently pull my hand away from my arm, revealing a forming bruise. "Because you can't separate yourself from your shadows. They are you," he continued, his expression meaningful.
Avoiding his gaze, I hastily pulled down my sleeve, suddenly aware that I was still wearing his kefta. "Excuse me," I muttered, eager to escape the situation. I made my way to the bedroom, swiftly changing into my own clothes. Taking a moment to collect myself, I returned and handed it back to him.
"Thank you," I said, my voice filled with unease.
"No need to thank me. It looked good on you. I would have given it to you if it wasn't so big," he said in a lighter tone, slipping back into the kefta. "I'm glad you've reconnected with your powers," he continued. "Now, I won't intrude on your privacy any further, but I will see you tomorrow." I searched his eyes for clarity. "You will no longer train with Baghra," he explained. "Now that you have gained control, you will train with me. I will send for you tomorrow after breakfast," he nodded at me before heading towards the door.
I stared at the door as they closed behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I had hoped that I would gain some clarity when we next meet, but he left me even more confused and with so many unasked questions. As I climbed into bed that night, the weight of anticipation settled upon me. What's in store for me tomorrow? The thoughts swirled in my mind, preventing me from focusing on the book in my hands. Pages turned, but the words blurred together, my thoughts overpowering the narrative. Yet, surprisingly, that night turned out to be the best sleep I had in ages. It was as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, allowing me to find a sense of peace I hadn't known in a long time.