The Gilded Cage

Vivienne’s POV

When I regained consciousness, my head throbbed as if someone had hammered nails into my skull. The room spun in slow, nauseating circles. I tried to move, but my arms felt heavy, and my mouth was so dry it hurt to swallow.

The air smelled strange; a mix of rich cologne and disinfectant. The bedding was too soft, and when I finally forced my eyes open, I realized I was in a room fit