12- No Mercy

**Isabella**

The next morning comes far too quickly, the pale light of dawn creeping through the window like an unwelcome intruder. I wake up with a start, my heart still pounding from the remnants of the nightmares that plagued my sleep. My body feels heavy, as if the fear and exhaustion have settled into my bones, refusing to let go.

For a moment, I just lie there, staring at the ceiling, trying to gather the strength to move. The events of last night are still fresh in my mind, like a wound that hasn’t had time to heal. I don’t know how I’m supposed to face another day, knowing what’s out there, knowing that Aiden is watching, waiting.

But I can’t stay in bed forever. Eventually, someone will notice if I don’t come down for breakfast, and the last thing I need is to draw attention to myself. I need to keep up appearances, need to act like everything is normal, even if it’s the furthest thing from the truth.

With a groan, I force myself to sit up, wincing as the pain in my arm flare