After soaking in the bath for twenty minutes, Christine dried herself and slowly made her way out of the bathroom, supporting herself against the wall. Sophie was waiting outside and quickly wrapped her in a fresh, soft bathrobe, helping her sit down on the edge of the bed.
Her entire body was in agony - her neck hurt, her throat hurt, her wrists hurt, and especially between her legs. It felt as if someone had taken her body apart and forcibly reassembled it piece by piece.
As she took small sips of the throat-soothing tea Sophie had prepared, her eyes fell on a wooden box sitting on the nightstand.
Christine didn't remember having anything like it in the house. The box was clearly high-end, made of black walnut. Upon closer inspection, she could smell the subtle fragrance of sandalwood - it seemed like an expensive gift from someone.
When Christine opened it, she found a delicate brooch resting on fine lambskin leather.
