chapter 8

I woke up with a weak body, every inch of me aching. I could barely lift a finger. The cold had sunk deep into my skin,probably because I’d spent the entire night curled up on the hard floor.

I shut my eyes, hoping to drift back into sleep, to escape the pain,but it wouldn’t come.

Not long after, the door creaked open. My vision was blurry, but I thought I saw Ethan. He wasn’t alone.

With what little strength I had left, I whispered, “Ple...ase... g..o...aw...ay.”

I heard his voice,calm, but distant.

"A maid has been assigned to take care of your meals."

I didn’t respond. I just heard footsteps… then silence. They must’ve left. Everything was fading again.

I didn’t hear the door open the next time,or maybe I did. My mind was too far gone to process anything.

The faint clatter of something,metal against wood,snapped me back. My heart jumped.

A shadow moved closer.

I couldn’t tell who it was. My vision was still too blurry. My chest tightened.

Then suddenly... all I could see was M