DAXTON

A sharp knock rattled my door, dragging me out of a restless sleep. My temples throbbed in protest, an ache blooming behind my eyes like a wildfire. I groaned, scrubbing a hand across my face. It felt like something inside of me had been clawing to the surface all night.

The knock came again, more persistent this time. Reluctantly, I sat up, my muscles tight and sore.

"Come in," I muttered.

The door creaked open, and Sally's head peeked through before she entered fully, ...