The Phoenix's Rebirth and Revenge
Isabella woke with a start, the dull throb in her skull pulsing in time with the morning sun creeping through the curtains. Her mouth tasted of stale alcohol and regret. She groaned, clutching her forehead as fragmented images from the night before danced behind her eyelids—too loud, too messy, and far too public.
She staggered out of bed, wincing as each step reminded her body of its hangover. The house was quiet, but not peaceful. A tension hung in the air like smoke after a fire.