Serine stared blankly at the empty tray before her. She'd managed to get a couple of hours of sleep and had choked down a light lunch. She pulled at the collar absently, not really thinking about anything. She'd crossed over to an almost pleasant numbness where she was distanced from the pain and loss with no real desire to change it.
Vaguely, Serine was aware of the suite door opening and closing. Someone was saying words above her, but she didn't move or look up. It didn't matter who it was or what they were saying. Eventually they'd get to the point, order her around, and she'd do as she was told like a good little puppet.
There was a crack and pain exploded across the side of Serine's face as her head was knocked to the side. She caught herself from falling sideways onto the couch cu
