Chapter 112 - A Dark Place

Vincenzo

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I groaned, a low, guttural sound reverberating through my skull as I battled to pry my eyes open; they felt burdened, as if each lid had its own set of stubborn dumbbells.

The room, shrouded in darkness, slowly came into focus. A memory flashed across my mind – Claire couldn't stand the idea of falling asleep in complete darkness. She needs light to fall asleep.

Dragging myself up from the pillow, my head throbbed like a bass beat. The room spun, and I couldn't decide if it was my pounding headache or the remnants of a wild evening refusing to let go.

Groping around the cluttered bedside table, I finally grabbed my phone. Squinting against the muted glow, I desperately scanned for the window blind control. After a couple of clumsy swipes, I found it.

The soft glow crept in, revealing the room in slow motion, but that brightness? It didn't tiptoe in; it barged through my skull like an overenthusiastic party crasher, making me wince and regret every decision from