The next day, just after the sun had barely risen over the capital city, I was roused from my sleep by a gentle shake. Groggily, I opened my eyes to find Father standing beside the bed, his face lined with a mix of weariness and something that looked like determination.
"Will, we need to go now," Father whispered, his voice low, as if he didn't want to disturb the quiet. I glanced over at Chris, still sound asleep beside me, her small body curled up under the blanket. Her hair was splayed out on the pillow, and she looked so peaceful that I almost didn't want to leave and just watch her.
"Where?" I asked, still half-asleep, rubbing my eyes to clear the morning blur.
"To the House Quarter," he answered, his voice steady but carrying a hint of urgency.
