Verity's POV

I sat in front of the vanity and stared at my reflection without really seeing it. The maid behind me worked on my hair and pulled it this way and that but I barely felt her hands. Everything felt distant and muffled like I was underwater.

Caleb had been gone for two days now and the castle felt wrong without him. It was quiet and too empty. As if something vital had been ripped out and left a hole that nothing could fill.

My eyes looked hollow in the mirror and dark circles ...