AUTHORS POV

The worn wooden floorboards of the small cabin creaked softly as Tessa slipped out of her blouse and into a simple cotton nightdress.

A single lantern on the bedside table cast warm light over thatched walls.

It was late—too late for late nights, but sleep felt elusive. She brushed damp strands of hair from her forehead and climbed beneath the thin quilt, hugging the patchwork blanket around her shoulders.

Just as her eyelids began to droop, there was a gentle knock at the door.

“Tracey?” Clarissa’s voice was low, urgent. “Are you awake?”

Tessa forgot she had been given a new name.

“Tracey?” The voice came in again....