Althea woke up with a dull, throbbing ache pulsing behind her temples. She groaned softly and rolled onto her side, pressing her face into the pillow as if that might somehow chase the pain away. The room was bright, far too bright, and her head felt heavy.

“Never again,” she murmured weakly. She knew that feeling all too well and could only hope she had not embarrassed herself too badly the night before. Her tolerance for alcohol was low, and more often than not, drinking left her acting ...