Chapter 34: Closer

*Seraphina*

I stood under the curtain of water, hoping to wash away the humiliation I felt when Alfred ran out of my room.

It felt like there was a hollow pit in my stomach where shame and embarrassment curdled in an ungodly cocktail.

I’d put myself out there, allowed myself to lose control for a split second, and the only thing that recklessness rewarded me with was a painful rejection. I felt like such a fool, just as I did when I’d forced that kiss on him back at the bar. Accidental or not, I couldn’t deny my reaction after. And now, I felt like I’d well and truly blown it.

I sighed, increasing the pressure.

I let the hot water slip down my body and soothe the muscles that had begun to ache. Slowly, I could feel myself start to relax as the spool of my mind began to unwind in the steam of the shower.

That’s when the electricity suddenly cut out, and everything was plunged into darkness.

Startled, I tried getting out to reach for a towel, but because my eyes