ELORA

The knock came sharp and persistent.

At first, I thought it was part of a dream, causing something vague and irritating that rattled inside my skull. But then it came again, louder, more insistent.

I groaned and blinked my eyes open.

Light streamed in through the window, far too bright for comfort. My mouth tasted stale, and my limbs were stiff from sleeping in my clothes. My dress was wrinkled and had ridden halfway up my thighs. I cursed softly under my breath.

I had passed out. Just like that. Last night’s chaos with Rowen, then going to see my parents, coming back emotionally exhausted… and then shutting down...