CHAPTER 18

Astraea's POV

After Emily dropped me at home, I was glad that none of my parents were present. Otherwise, I don't know how would I have explained my state.

Anyhow, I dragged myself upstairs to my room. Standing in front of the mirror, I pulled down the collar of my shirt.

There was no marking or handprints on my neck, yet the excruciating pain felt like the outcome of getting choked, not in a good way.

I sighed and walked to my bathroom. Opening the shower door, I stepped under the shower without even removing my clothes.

Lukewarm water washed over my body, wetting my dress in the process. The warm sprinkles were a boon after the feeling of nearly dying in the frosty river. Closing my eyes, I felt every little drop softly touching my skin, washing away every anxiety and paranoic thought, even though for a few moments. But it was enough to clear my head of the fear and suffocation.

Almost an hour later, I came out of the shower and changed my clothes into a cute Spongebob shorts a