Chapter 12
MY SLEEP WAS DREAMLESS, and when it was time for me to wake up, I was woken by a gentle hand on my shoulder, shaking me.
When I opened my eyes, my father’s worried face was hovering over me. Relief flooded through me when I saw him, and I offered him what I hoped was a small smile.
“Oh. Hi,” I managed, though my throat was tight and sore. I swallowed and licked my dry lips, “I must have dozed off.”
I glanced around, trying to find my bearings. I was in my father’s office still, lying on the sofa. My mug of half-drunk hot chocolate sat in front of me on the coffee table and my head rested on a pillow I’d magicked up to make myself more comfortable. I’d told myself I wasn’t going to fall asleep, but clearly that hadn’t happened. I was out like a light.
I didn’t remember anyth
