Chapter 23

Brett’s eyes fluttered open, only to be met with the dim light of an unfamiliar room. Panic surged through him, his heart pounding as he tried to piece together what had happened. The last thing he remembered was returning to his dorm room after delivering medicine to one of his comrades. He had been looking forward to filing a leave to visit his village and gather more supplies. His medicine, sought after among the lower-ranked soldiers, had almost sold out.

But before he could make any more plans, someone had struck him from behind, and darkness had claimed him. Now, as he lay on this soft bed, he strained to recall details that might explain his current predicament.

Sitting up slowly, Brett glanced around the room. The walls were decorated lavishly and a floor-to-ceiling window was to his left. The air was warm and comforting, carrying the scent of flowers. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, wincing as a slight pain shot through his head where he had been struck.

“Where am