Chapter 29
The house was still and quiet, shadows pooling in the corners as the clock struck sometime past three. Lena stirred beneath her sheets, her body shivering even though sweat soaked her clothes. Her throat felt like sandpaper, dry and scratchy with every swallow. A heavy heat pressed behind her eyes, her skin clammy and flushed as she slowly sat up.
Her limbs trembled, weak and aching, as she peeled back the covers and placed her feet on the floor. The hardwood was cool against her soles, grounding her for a moment before she made her way down the hallway and into the kitchen.
The fridge light cast a pale glow across the darkened room as she grabbed a bottle of water, unscrewed the cap with shaking hands, and drank greedily. The cold liquid brought brief relief. She leaned agai
