ADINNA’S POV
I wake up with an ache under my skin that feels almost alive. It starts as a pulse at the base of my neck, and then it turns into a quiet thrum that spreads through my body until I feel too aware of every breath I take. My sheets are tangled around my legs, and my hair is damp against my neck. I shove the blanket away, dragging myself upright even though my limbs feel heavier than they should.
The dorm is quiet, indicating that Riley has already left for classes. I rub my face and try to convince myself that it’s just another morning. Another normal morning. Normal, in the sense that I’m bonded to the four cardinals. But then, today feels a lot more different from how I’ve been feeling since the ball, and I can’t explain it.
I sit there for a moment, trying to shake it off.
