I did not know when I passed out, but I woke up in that same fetal position, overwhelmed by a profound sense of helplessness.
I slowly pushed myself up and walked to the bath chamber.
Fatigue and stress clung to me like a heavy shroud, and a slight headache throbbed at my temples.
I confronted my gaunt reflection in front of the sink mirror. The toll of recent events had left me noticeably thinner in just a matter of days. Days that felt like an eternity.
I splashed water on my face and hurriedly returned to his chamber.
I found myself drifting toward the door and recoiled. His warning echoed in my mind. I backed away until my legs hit the bed. I sat down hard, heart racing.
Could I truly stand against him?
No, I had to. There was no other choice.
I looked at my healed wrist, then grabbed my shoulder. I felt nothing. The pain was gone even when I pressed it. With a quick motion, I pushed aside the neckline of my gown and my eyes widened. The ugly scar had completely vanished.
