Chapter 23
Annalise
When my eyes opened, I was back in the gilded cage they called my room. The ornate furniture and soft golden glow of the afternoon sunlight streaming through the tall windows felt like mockery. My head throbbed, my body trembled, and my restlessness was suffocating.
It was noon.
I had no way to escape this palace, no way to reach the Christmas party where my presence mattered. Today was supposed to be special—my first shift. It should have been a moment of triumph, a stepping stone to the competition that would change everything. But if I didn’t leave tonight, my chances would vanish.
I couldn’t let that happen.
Staggering to the door, I already knew it would be locked, and when the handle refused to budge, my jaw clenched with fury. I pounded on the door with all
