37. The awakening.

Olivia opened the book, ready to lose herself in its pages, but exhaustion pressed against her bones. She fought it, blinking rapidly, willing herself to focus. Devon had kept her awake last night, disturbing her peace in ways she still hadn't processed. She had spent the night thinking, crying, squealing—torn between so many emotions that she had barely managed an hour of sleep.

"Just a short nap," she murmured, resting her head on the wooden table.

As she rested her head on the desk, her conversation with Devon flooded into her mind, causing her heart to pound with fear, hope, and uncertainty. Would Devon truly show her love? Even if only for a short time? The thought whispered through her mind as her heavy eyelids shut.

But peace did not come.

Instead, dread curled around her heart, clawing into her chest, causing nightmares to rise like shadows. She tossed and turned, locked in an invisible battle against something she couldn't name.