( ARIA'S POV)
Morning came too fast.
I opened my eyes slowly. My whole body felt tired, like I had not slept at all. The room was cold. The floor was hard. I pushed myself up and touched my face. My eyes were swollen from crying. I took a small bowl of water and washed my face. The water felt sharp and cold on my skin.
I looked at my reflection. My hair was messy. My cheeks were pale. My hands were shaking.
I whispered to myself, “You must stay strong. You cannot break. Not here.”
I had not even finished touching my hair when the door opened without a knock.
Elena walked in.
Her eyes were cold like ice. She looked me up and down with disgust, like I was dirt on the floor.
“Stand up,” she said sharply. “You think you can rest? You think you are special? all the maids are awake and d
