Elari's POV
I woke up with a pounding headache.
For a few seconds, I didn't know where I was.
The floor beneath me was cold, my neck sore from sleeping in the same position all night. Every muscle in my body ached, and my eyes felt swollen and heavy.
I stared blankly at the ceiling.
Then yesterday came rushing back.
My chest tightened so suddenly that I had to squeeze my eyes shut.
"No," I whispered to myself. "Not again."
I couldn't do this again.
I'd spent the whole of yesterday crying until there were no tears left. My throat still burned from it, my eyes felt raw, and my heart... my heart felt like someone had left it in pieces on the floor beside me.
Slowly, I pushed myself upright, using the edge of the couch for support when the room tilted around me.
I waited for the di
