Elena had opted to stay indoors after the scene with the queen. She let no one else in apart from the maid. And in her lonely state, she longed for Gabriel's presence, a feeling she was yet to come into terms with.
As she stared at the ceiling, his face invaded her every waking thought. It had been five days now and it felt like forever! Tonight, she appreciated how much Gabriel's presence meant to her.
Many were the times she'd turn and toss in bed only to meet with the empty cold side of his bed. Worse was when she had nightmares. She'd wake up all sweaty, hoping to confine in someone. The dimly lit candles would always illuminate over the empty space, as if mocking her loneliness.
Tonight was not different. She was holding a book close to her eyes, straining to follow word by word with her eyes halfway closed. She refused to sleep despite the urge. It was in her eyes, the dark circles and uncontrolled yawns. She was tired and sleepy, yet she refused to give in.
