Chapter 18

Scarlett When I woke up the next day, my throat was dry, and the mark on the back of my neck had calmed. The room was bathed in soft light. I lay still for a few minutes, trying to reconnect with Kaya. “Are you there?” I whispered silently in my mind, like speaking to a soul I hadn’t seen in a long time. Silence. She still didn’t respond. I bit my lower lip, struggling to suppress the unease inside. That feeling of abandonment surged up from my chest like a rising tide, making me almost want to vomit again. A knock sounded at the door. I quickly pulled myself together. Katherine poked her head in, her smile bright: “Scarlett, don’t forget—we have the welcome banquet tonight. I booked a boutique, a spa, and a manicure! We’re pampering ourselves today!” I shook my head, my voice hoarse: “Katherine, I’m really not in the mood…” “That’s exactly why you need this more,” she cut me off, coming in and pulling me up. “Come on, girls’ night! Have you forgotten how that feels? You don’t live jus