7. The Oracle I

Everything hurts.

Again and again, I put one foot in front of the other, following Adeline and a set of maids whose eyes are glued to the floor. Several times, I’ve had to refrain from tripping on my gown and theirs as we descent the never-ending staircases. I should still be confined to my room, but Adeline thought it’d be nice if I got some air.

Especially after last night.

While everything that occurred before I passed out has been imprinted upon my brain, I can’t seem to force myself to remember what might have transpired after. If the princes slept in my bed, what the hell that pain was, and if, in fact, I’d truly seen the claws on my fingertips before passing out. I’d awoken naked, feet and nails covered in mud, and Adeline kept smiling from ear to ear as she brushed out leaves from my hair.

I have yet to let myself think of last night and what might have happened. In all honesty, the only reason I got out of bed despite the pain is because I might have a chance of escaping toda