Freda Pov
The heat peaked as night fell over the pack house. I could not stay still anymore. Could not lie in bed and wait for relief that was not coming. My whole body was on fire, and nothing helped.
I got out of bed and started pacing back and forth across the room. My nightgown felt like sandpaper against my oversensitive skin, so I tore it off and threw it in the corner.
"Better," I whispered to the empty room. "Much better."
Being naked helped a little. The cool air against my burning skin provided some small relief. Not enough, but better than the torture of fabric rubbing against me.
I paced faster. From the window to the door and back again. Over and over. Trying to tire myself out. Trying to make the hours pass faster. Trying to survive until Urdon came back.
"Where is he?" I said out loud. "He said he would hurry. He promised he would not leave me alone for long."
