I woke up with a heavy feeling in my chest that had become my constant companion for the last week. I didn't want to open my eyes. I didn't want to face the reality of my room or the silence of my phone. I had put it on Do Not Disturb days ago. Every time it buzzed with a notification from Silas or a missed call from Alaric, I felt like I was suffocating.
I dragged myself out of bed and walked to the mirror. I looked terrible. My face was dull, my skin pale, and my eyes had dark circles under them that no amount of concealer could hide. I looked like I hadn't slept in a month.
"Get it together, Elena," I whispered to my reflection.
I pulled back the collar of my shirt to look at the mark on my neck. It was finally starting to heal, turning a faded shade of bruised purple, but it sti
