The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains in pale streaks, casting warm lines across the bed. I stirred beneath the thick blanket, blinking against the light.
Aiden sat on the edge of the bed, already dressed in dark jeans and a black shirt, lacing up his boots. He glanced over his shoulder when he heard me move. "Hey. You sleep okay?"
"Yeah," I lied, though the memory of Elena's whispered words haunted me. A curse…
He stood, brushing a hand through his damp hair. "There's a council meeting in an hour. I want you to come with me."
I pushed up on my elbows. "Do I have to?"
"I'd prefer if you did," he said, although there was a hint of hesitation in his voice. "And… they want to meet you."
"I'll just be in the way." I threw the blanket aside. "You don't need me hovering while you talk politics."
