*Serena*
(The next morning)
I squinted my tired eyes as the morning light crept through the curtains, golden and soft. It was a pleasant morning, but it couldn't chase away the heavy dread coiling in my chest.
I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the events of the night before. The dark king's voice echoed in my mind, low and cruel.
"Your parents will suffer for it."
The words sent a shiver down my spine. I felt nauseous, my stomach churning with guilt and fear. I had caused this. My constant defiance had put them in danger, and now I had no idea how to fix it.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I pressed a trembling hand against my forehead. I had been so sure of myself before, so certain I could handle whatever came my way. But king Zade wasn't like anyone I had ever known. He wasn't human. He wasn't bound by the rules of mercy or reason. He was a cruel demon that took pleasure in making others suffer terribly and I was his newest target.
