Tender Aftermath

CASSIA

I woke to a sharp, throbbing pain pulsing at the back of my skull, the kind that made my temples tighten and my stomach twist. A low groan slipped out before I could stop it. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping the darkness might somehow soften the ache, but it did nothing. The pounding only grew heavier, like my heartbeat had migrated straight into my head.

I tried to shift, to bury my face de