Aria
I couldn't sleep. Thirst gripped me, leaving my mouth dry and longing for water. The digital clock on the nightstand glowed 2:17 AM in harsh red numbers that seemed to make fun of my restlessness. I tossed the sheets aside and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my bare feet meeting the cool hardwood floor.
I ventured out of my room then paused at the top of the grand staircase, listening for any signs of movement. Nothing. Just the distant ticking of an antique clock.
"Kitchen," I murmured to myself. "Downstairs and... left? Right?"
Quietly, I descended the stairs, wincing each time a step creaked. The last thing I wanted was to alert anyone to my midnight wandering. As I reached the bottom, I hesitated, trying to orient myself in the floor plan.
A faint gleam of stainless s
