40
Elle
I awaken in my old bed. Sunflower wallpaper covers the walls. It’s the same pattern I picked out with Mom on my eighth birthday. Hand-carved furniture lines the floor, including a dresser, bed, and side table. One of the animates made this set. Framed pictures hang on the wall, all of them black and white photos of me, Mom, and Dad. My glass slipper and carved pumpkin sit on the windowsill.
Maybe my head is way foggy from sleep, because this must be a dream. When I came back to check Cynder with Alec, the whole building was trashed. Especially my room.
A low and growly voice sounds beside me. “Ah, the patient awakens.”
Rolling over, I find a massive gray wolf sitting beside my bed. “Hello, Azizi. Nice to see you again.”
“We must cease meeting under such dramatic circumstances
