Maria’s POV

I forced my eyes open, my body screaming in pain as if my bones were splintered. The soft bed beneath me only reminded me of how broken I felt.

I tried to roll over, but my body refused, and a groan escaped my lips.

"Urgh..."

A sharp burning in my thighs made me gasp, and the sticky, aching reminder between them filled me with shame. The memories flashed in my mind, and tears stung my eyes. My virginity was gone—not given, but stolen.

Dragging myself out of bed despite the stabbing pain, I leaned against the wall.

When I looked down, bile rose in my throat. I felt...