Stella's POV

Morning light slipped through the gaps in the curtains, like it was trying to force my eyes open. But I'd been awake for a long time. I couldn't sleep. My body still ached, not just physically, but somewhere much deeper. The night before clung to my skin like something I wouldn't be able to wash off.

Damian was standing beside the bed, buttoning his white shirt. He didn't even look at me when I said good morning. In fact, he only answered with a dry, unintelligible murmur, as if