Chapter 51

Aubrey's POV The nightmare ripped me from sleep, my heart hammering against my ribs as I fought to catch my breath. The images were still vivid behind my eyes - too vivid, too real, like memories rather than dreams. The metallic scent of blood seemed to linger in my nostrils, making my stomach turn. "Aubrey?" Knox's voice was soft with concern as he propped himself up beside me. The moonlight filtering through the windows cast gentle shadows across his face. "Bad dream?" Looking into his worried eyes, I found myself wanting to share the burden that had been mine alone for so long. "My tribe," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. "The day they were wiped out." Knox sat up fully, drawing me against his chest. His heartbeat was steady under my ear, anchoring me to the present. "Tell me," he encouraged gently. "It was supposed to be my coronation day." The words came out haltingly, each one carrying the weight of loss. "Everything happened so fast. There was no warning, just... bloo