Chapter 42 The Awakening's Price

• Celeste’s body ached in ways she couldn’t explain. It wasn’t the usual soreness from training—it was deeper, like something inside her was shifting, pulling at the edges of her strength. She tried to hide it, but Lucian noticed.
• “You’re pushing yourself too hard,” he said, his sharp gaze locked on her as she sat by the fire that night, rubbing her arms.
• “I’m fine.” It was a lie, and they both knew it.