Adina gasped awake.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she stared at the ceiling, her entire body drenched in sweat. Tears covered her cheeks, and for a moment, she couldn't remember where she was.
Then the memories came rushing in. The black water, the light, her mother.
You were born from love.
Adina sat up slowly, her heart aching from reasons she couldn't explain yet. She pressed a trembling hand over her chest.
"Mother…" she whispered.
The room was silent. Moonlight filtered through the open balcony doors. She wiped her cheeks, but more tears followed.
Why was she crying? And why did the mention of Thorne hurt so badly?
Adina pushed herself from the bed and walked toward the balcony. The cool night air brushed against her face as she stepped outside. She rested both hands against the railing and closed her eyes.
Fight. Her mother's voice echoed through her mind. Fight the darkness.
