#Chapter 83 – Worth Trying For

Lila The ache was dull today. Manageable. It nestled behind my ribs like something leftover from a bad dream—present, but fading. I sat propped against a stack of pillows, the sun filtering through the high infirmary windows in long gold slants. Outside, I could hear faint voices in the hall, the occasional creak of boots and armor. Inside, only the crackle of the hearth. My body was healing. My thoughts weren’t far behind. I stared at the selection folder I’d asked to have brought to my bedside—untouched so far, its ribbon still tied. A few weeks ago, it had felt like a cage. Now, it looked more like a key. I’d spent so long being I was a pawn in someone else’s game—my father’s, Elena’s, the council’s. Maybe I still was. But if I had to play, I wanted to choose my own moves. Just like Asher suggested. I wasn’t staying for Henry anymore. The door opened quietly, and I didn’t need to look up to know it was Damon. He didn’t knock. He never did, but not out of arroganc