NESSA ~
"Nessa, is everything okay in there?"
Rowan's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts, pulling me back from the edge of panic.
"Yes," I managed to force out, though my voice shook so badly the word barely sounded human.
I turned on the faucet, splashing cold water over my face. The shock of it helped—marginally. My hands trembled as I reached for a towel, pressing it against my flushed skin.
You can do this. You have to do this.
But my reflection in the mirror told a different story. Eyes too wide. Face too pale. A girl who looked like she was walking to her execution instead of her wedding night.
I closed my eyes. Took one more breath.
Then opened the door.
The three of them were waiting.
My eyes stayed fixed on the floor, unable to meet their gazes. Couldn't bear to see whatever was written on their faces—desire, obligation, pity. Any of it would shatter the fragile control I was clinging to.
Footsteps approached.
Kade.
