Vera’s POV

Morning came faster than I had expected. For a long moment, I didn’t remember where I was. The bed beneath me was too large, too soft and too perfect. The sheets felt like silk against my skin, and the faint scent of something expensive lingered in the air. Then it all came rushing back.

I exhaled slowly and pushed myself upright.This was my life now and I needed to get used to it. I didn’t stay in bed for long.

And it wasn’t just because I was uneasy. There was something about the room that felt too quiet and too still. My thoughts were already beginning to spiral,...