VALERIE
The sun rose behind clouds the color of old blood.
I watched from my chamber window, where frost had crept in through the corners of the glass, even though it wasn’t winter. My breath fogged the surface. I didn’t move. Behind me, the room remained dark—untouched, undisturbed. I hadn’t let the servants in. I hadn’t let anyone in. I touched my stomach unconsciously. The space where life once stirred had gone still and something in me had gone still with it.
Every moment felt hollow.
Every breath, borrowed.
A knock sounded. I didn’t answer. The door creaked open anyway. Jason. He stepped in, eyes guarded, jaw clenched. “We need to talk.” I didn’t look at him. “We’ve talked enough.” He exhaled harshly. “Valerie, we’re falling apart. You’re—slipping.” “I’m holding together,” I said
