Chapter 97

• Cesmae’s POV
• The morning light filters through the tall windows of my room, casting a soft, golden glow over everything. I push myself out of bed, still feeling the remnants of last night’s encounter with Raizel lingering in my mind. I shake my head, trying to push away the confusing feelings. It was just a dance—nothing more. I tell myself this over and over, but the memory of his touch, the closeness, refuses to fade.
• After a quick shower, I get dressed in one of my simpler gowns, tying my hair up loosely. My thoughts drift to Mimimi. She’s always the perfect antidote to the swirling storm of emotions inside me, and I decide to have breakfast with her today. I could use her smile, her warmth, to help ground me.