I woke up the next morning feeling heavy. My body was sore in places I didn't want to think about, and the sheets felt too soft against my skin. I didn't open my eyes for a long time. I just listened to the sound of breathing. It wasn't just one person. I could feel the heat of Alaric on one side of me and the steady heartbeat of Silas on the other.
I tried to shift my legs, but a heavy arm pulled me back.
"Stay still, Elena," Alaric’s voice was deep and raspy from sleep. "It is early."
"I need to get up," I whispered. My voice sounded small even to my own ears.
"You don't need to do anything we don't tell you to do," Silas muttered from behind me. I felt him press a kiss to my shoulder blade. "Last night proved that you can't be trusted to move on your own."
The memory of the punishm
