Zeraphine’s POV
A loud knock on my door dragged me out of my restless sleep. My eyes shot open, the morning light slipping through the heavy curtains. The banging continued, making my already frayed nerves snap.
“Zeraphine! Open the door!” My mother’s sharp voice carried through the thick wood.
I groaned and turned over, pulling the covers over my head. I didn’t want to deal with this, not so early in the day. But the knocking didn’t stop.
“Zeraphine, we know you’re in there!” my father’s voice joined hers, deep and demanding.
For a moment, I considered ignoring them. Maybe they’d leave if I stayed silent. But I knew better. They wouldn’t go away until they got what they wanted. They never did.
With a huff, I pushed the covers back and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My feet
