Sara's POV
Waking up at the exact time I do every morning, I pushed aside the wonderful dream I just had about living quietly with my beloved in a secluded island—just the two of us, no duties, responsibilities, expectations, nothing but the sound of waves and the warmth of his presence beside me.
The dream had been so vivid, so real, that for a brief, blissful moment after opening my eyes, I could still feel the phantom sensation of his hand in mine, the gentle rhythm of his breathing, the way his smile had lit up the golden sands of our imaginary paradise.
But reality came rushing back quickly, as it always did, and I found myself staring at the familiar wooden ceiling of my quarters in Verdant Spire.
I was on my hammock, close to the window, from which I could see Verdant Spire below just waking up as well.
