CHAPTER 13

Tristan

I stumbled down the dark corridor, my unsteady footsteps echoing softly off the stone walls. The flickering torches lining the hallway seemed to sway with my unsteady gait. I’d spent the evening drowning my sorrows with Jace, who had, surprisingly, turned out to be even more drunk than me.

The night at the tavern had begun as an attempt to escape the relentless thoughts that haunted my mind, but it had spiraled into a drama-filled ordeal that left me as the reluctant voice of reason, pulling Jace away from further chaos.

As I finally reached my own chamber, I let out a sigh of relief. The last thing I needed was to face Tessa, in my current state. I knew she wouldn’t be pleased with me coming home so late and in such a condition. And there was the earlier matter to consider.

Entering the room, I closed the door quietly behind me. The room was dark, save for the glow of moonlight streaming in through the window. Tessa was nowhere to be seen, which was a blessing in my present c