Chapter 29

I woke up to the sound of footsteps and hushed voices outside my room. My body felt heavy, my head pounding like a drum.

I blinked up at the ceiling, my breathing still uneven from the nightmare.

It was morning.

The day of the party.

I groaned, pushing myself up. The moment I moved, my muscles screamed in protest. I felt like I hadn't slept at all.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, and stared at my reflection.

Dark circles.

Dull eyes.

I looked terrible.

Great. Just what I needed before facing hundreds of judgmental strangers.

I sighed and stepped out of my room, nearly running into Chloe.

She took one look at me and wrinkled her nose. "Wow. You look like you lost a fight with a ghost."

"Thanks," I muttered, rubbing my forehead.

Mum appeared behind her, holding a cup of coffee. Her eyes immediately narrowed. "Astrid, did you even sleep?"

"Yeah," I lied.