Chapter 16
TWO WEEKS LATER…
VANESSA
I woke to yet another day filled with a sense of emptiness. As I sat up in my bed, I slowly stretched my tired body. Then, slipping out from under the sheets, I made my way to the window and peered outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the world beyond.
For a fortnight, I was confined to this room with nothing but my thoughts for company. The window, my only connection to the outside world, offered me a brief respite from my solitude.
The sunrise painted the sky with a warm orange glow, as a gentle morning breeze filled the air. The sound of birds singing their morning melodies as they soared through the sky filled my heart with joy and appreciation for this peaceful time of day.
Kyan's strict instructions echoed in my mind, warning me never to set
