Suzy pushed open the door of her chamber, the books clutched tightly in her arms. A sliver of sunlight peeked through the drapes that covered the window, casting a long shadow across the plush carpet.
The weight of the past few days settled upon her shoulders. The nightmare, Ryan's brooding demeanor, the upcoming ball – a whirlwind of emotions threatened to engulf her.
"Can I pull it off?" she murmured to herself, picturing the grand ballroom, the elaborate swirling gowns, the endless formalities, the socialization, the dances, the forced smiles, the watchful eyes of the guests. A flicker of doubt crossed her features, but she quickly squashed it. Negative thoughts wouldn't help.
Closing the door to her chambers behind her, Suzy stepped inside, a small smile playing on her lips. But the smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a shriek of pure terror.
