"Shut up," I replied softly, though a smile tugged faintly at my lips despite myself.
I tried to ignore the strange humming sensation still vibrating faintly beneath my skin, pushing it aside as mere fatigue or lingering adrenaline. Yet, as we walked quietly back toward our rooms, I couldn't help but feel an uneasy heaviness settling into my chest. Every heartbeat felt strangely loud, reverberating through me as if my body were a drum struck too hard, too fast.
Mara glanced at me, concern etched delicately across her features. "Your Highness? You look unwell."
I waved her concern away, attempting to keep my voice calm. "I'm fine. Just tired."
Elira exchanged a worried glance with Mara, unconvinced but respecting my wish for silence. Riven watched me nervously, clearly sensing something was off but wisely keeping his worries to himself. Even Aria remained unusually subdued, her typical energy replaced by cautious observation.
