I dragged myself out of bed and walked toward the mirror, staring at my reflection. My silver hair was a mess. My eyes were slightly bloodshot. My dignity was questionable.
And yet, underneath the exhaustion… Power still hummed beneath my skin. Alive and awake. Waiting. I exhaled slowly. Whatever this was… whatever game the gods were playing… I was no longer just reacting. I was moving toward something.
West. The word still lingered in my mind like a promise. Or a warning.
Minutes later, the maid returned with a silver tray. The espresso sat in a small porcelain cup, dark and rich, steam curling upward like a whisper. Beside it, two hamburgers rested on a plate, the melted cheese glistening, the scent warm and intoxicating.
Honestly. If I were a goddess, I'd request this too. I took the tray myself. "I'll handle the offering."
