I find myself obeying Alaric's command without meaning to. I realize I am exhausted from expending my powers earlier, so I lie down on the bed and close my eyes. I slip into a fitful sleep and dream of screaming chickens while a young Alaric stalks each one and snaps their necks. I wake up in a cold sweat and I notice it's dark outside. I must have underestimated how tired I was because I've been asleep for hours.
There's a knock at the door and I get out of bed to answer it. The staff member that I heard talking rudely about me this morning tells me that Alaric will be taking dinner in his study this evening. Mr. Rudeness asks if I would like to eat in my room or the formal dining room. I can't stand the idea of sitting in that cold room alone so I tell him I will eat in my room.
I am
