Pauline's POV
I had lost track of time sitting by the water's edge. The lake stretched before me like a black mirror, capturing fragments of moonlight and the final golden streaks painting the darkening sky.
My face felt swollen from crying. I had let myself fall apart completely, something I rarely allowed. A bitter laugh escaped as I caught my reflection in the water - my eyes looked like I had been in a fight and lost badly.
The brief moment of dark humor vanished when reality crashed back down on me.
Maybe I should tell Windsor everything. She was the only person who might understand, who wouldn't look at me like I was broken or pitiful. She knew some of the story, though not all of it. Even Logan didn't know the complete truth.
The sun was disappearing fast. I needed to get back - dinner had probably started already. Kneeling by the water, I splashed the cold liquid on my face, hoping to reduce the swelling before heading back to camp.
