The sleep

Aria's POV

I stared at the ceiling, my body feeling like lead as I lay in bed well past noon. The events of yesterday replayed in my mind on a loop. It felt like torture.

A soft knock at the door broke through my brooding. "Aria? Are you awake?" Jennie's voice called.

"Come in," I croaked, my throat dry from disuse.

Jennie poked her head in, her brow furrowed with concern. "Are you feeling alright? You never sleep this late."

I forced a weak smile. "Just tired from all that shopping in Avenport yesterday."

"Oh, right. I forgot you went into town." Jennie perched on the edge of my bed. "So, are you excited about the ball? Being on the shortlist of 150 women is a big deal!"

The thought of the ball—of potentially seeing Kaine there—made my stomach churn. "I don't really have a chance," I mumbled.