Chapter 55

The early light of morning slanted through the curtains as Cassandra stirred, her body still heavy with sleep—and something far more burdensome. The night before had been magical, but the dawn brought nothing but agony. She rolled onto her back, limbs protesting, and realized Thomas lay beside her, breathing softly in deep slumber. Summoning every ounce of courage, she swung her legs off the mattress and tried to stand. Immediately, her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor like a rag doll. A wave of panic passed through her.

No strength remained in her lower body, she thought in dismay. Yet an urgent need spurred her onward. I have to pee.

Thomas lay unmoving, lost in dreams. Cassandra refused to wake him. Instead, she planted her palms on the cool floor and began to crawl, inch by painful inch, toward the bathroom. Every movement sent hot shards of pain coursing through her hips and thighs. She paused, gasping, her fingers digging into the tiles for leverage. A