I awoke with a gasp, my heart hammering in my chest. For one blissful moment, I couldn't remember anything—then it all came rushing back. Natalie desecrating Violet's grave. The knife in my hand. Julian restraining me.
The sedative had worn off, leaving my mind foggy but functional. I became aware of a warm weight across my waist—Julian's arm. His steady breathing tickled the back of my neck.
I lay perfectly still, fighting the urge to scream. How dare he hold me like this after everything? After choosing her again?
The bandage on my hand felt tight, the wound beneath it throbbing. I slid carefully from Julian's grasp, relieved when he didn't stir. I needed to think, and I couldn't do that with him touching me.
This was our old cabin, I realized. The home we'd shared before he'd exiled me to the guest wing. The familiar surroundings felt like a cruel joke.
