The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 153

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
*By Sophia Reed*

**Chapter 153: Fighting For Sleep**

[Evelyn’s POV]

Had I known that each time I slipped into the embrace of sleep, I would be engaged in a battle for my sanity, I would have never consented to another sedative. When Ian had casually listed the side effects of the medication while gathering his equipment, I had barely paid attention.

“If you feel yourself becoming a bit drowsy, don’t worry. Honestly, sleep is the best thing for you,” he had assured me, his voice dripping with a false sense of comfort.

Perhaps that was true in a world where sleep was a refuge rather than a torment.

Every time I began to succumb to the heavy pull of exhaustion, I was assaulted by fragmented memories of that circular room. I could see Isabella’s grotesque scowl, hear Fiona’s mocking laughter, and feel the flash of the blade that had cut through my reality. The relentless jabs of fists and the suffocating grip of hands haunted me, dragging me back into a nightmare from which I could not awaken.

The cackling echoed in my mind, a cruel reminder of my pain and misfortune, wrapping around me like a suffocating shroud.

What was I supposed to do? I craved the solace of sleep, yet it eluded me, just as it had when I had been drugged with that vile aphrodisiac. Those nights had been plagued by visions of Michael and the near catastrophe that could have unfolded. Back then, at least I had Alexander by my side, a steadfast guardian against the horrors that lurked in my dreams. But now, I was utterly alone, yearning for that sense of security I had taken for granted. The last time I checked, things between Alexander and me were anything but stable.

Before I made the fateful decision to confront Isabella, we had barely spoken. Was he still nursing his anger over my choice to agree to the arranged marriage?

Maybe he’s moved past it…

I recalled the moment I first regained consciousness. Alexander had been a whirlwind of anxiety, rushing about to alleviate my discomfort in any way he could. His face had been etched with an anguish that pierced my heart, making it clench painfully in my chest.

I despised that look. I hated the way he regarded me with pity, as if I were a fragile creature who would shatter at the slightest touch. It terrified me to think that once Ian removed the gauze, he might never look at me the same way again.

What was I to do? I felt more ensnared than I had when my limbs had been bound to that accursed table.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

My entire being tensed as I watched the door to my room slowly swing open. I couldn’t help but wonder who might enter, silently praying it wouldn’t be Alexander.

When I saw Wendy step inside, a wave of relief washed over me, mingled with a surge of raw emotion.

“Evelyn?” Her voice was soft, a gentle caress that wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

“Y-Yes?” I croaked, my throat dry and raspy.

Wendy stepped further into the room, her movements cautious, as if afraid that any misstep might send me spiraling.

“Wendy, it’s alright,” I whispered, beckoning her closer. “You can come in.”

Her brow furrowed with concern, and my stomach twisted in response.

“I know I shouldn’t be here. Ian said you needed to rest as much as possible,” she said, her voice laced with worry.

I shook my head vehemently. “I can’t.”

The alarm in her eyes was immediate. “Why? Do you need something? I can fetch one of the staff—”

“No, no…I just can’t fall asleep,” I confessed, the weight of my emotions spilling forth.

I hadn’t intended to let my vulnerability show, but before I knew it, tears clung to the corners of my eyes. I struggled to articulate my torment without sounding like I was on the brink of another breakdown.

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