[Bonus chapter]

THE SOUND OF METAL CLANKING MAKES AUBREY'S EYES FLUTTER OPEN. It takes a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the rays of sunlight seeping in through the windows and that's when her senses start to kick in, slowly becoming aware of her surroundings.

She pushes herself up from the king-sized bed with a groan escaping her lips as her head aches. She pushes her tired hands into her hair as she grabs a fistful of it before letting go and then letting out a yawn. She can feel her face is puffy as a result of the crying and troubles she experienced the previous day. Despite all of the discomfort she feels pertaining her health, she seems to notice that Kai never returned home last night.

She reaches out to feel the silky sheets; the position Kai usually sleeps in. She knows she shouldn't be worried but she can't help but wonder what could have possibly made him not come around. It can't be that Zondani did something, right? Aubrey asks herself.