" Lily said, her voice s

ing a weight far too heavy for someone her age. She looked like she di

s buzzed inside my head. But everyone around me seemed so tired, so defeated. It was as if they had alread

almost hear it pounding in my ears. When we emerged back into the courtyard, the atmosphere had

ngled together in the shadows, lips locked in passionate, animalistic kisses. It was a disturbing

m, taunting him to bark and howl like a dog. He was so thin that I thought he might snap in half. My fists clenched at my sides, a

gently. "Keep your head down.

void of humanity. They didn't deserve mercy. They deserved to suffer for the atrocities they committed. A tall man stepped into our path, his

hed out to grab Lily's hand. His touch, though soft, seemed posses

my imagination filled in the worst possibilities. I hoped she would be okay, but in this place, hope felt like a fragile, pointless thing. I took a deep

grabbed my wrist in a vise-like grip. His touch was rough, and his fingers dug into my skin, sending a jolt of pain up my arm. Without a word

into my back, but I couldn't focus on that. Right now, I had bigger problems. He led me into a smaller room off the main ha

one swift motion. I didn't even have time to scream. His grip was tight but not enough to crush my windpipe-just enough to show me who was in control. His eyes bore into mine, cold and

emanded, his voice a harsh growl t

know what you're talking about," I choked ou

queezing a little tighter."Wha

managed to say, my voic

and sputtering for air. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I clutched my aching throat. He turned away from me, his face contorted in rage.

voice shaking with barely controlled fury.

it hurt, and my hands trembled as I held them up in a feeble attempt to shield myself. What was his

eyes burning with anger.

elf up slowly, using the wall for support. My

e spat, the words

re crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to us. It was as if the entire place was holding its breath. He threw me to the ground like I was nothing more than a pie

is is, whoever is testing me, try harder. She will be nothing more than a slave in this house for the re

A tall blonde with striking crystal-blue eyes stepped forward, sneering down at me. She tilted her gobl

Clean that up, will you?" I stayed on the ground for

epped into it. But I wouldn't let them break me. No matter what, I wouldn't stay a slave here. I would die trying to escape. And if I ever got th