#Chapter 30: Bloodrage

Whatever was holding the beasts back seems to have vanished now. Sword in hand, I slash this way and that, but still they prowl closer as if looking for a chance to strike. I do my best to hold them off, but I am no warrior. My back hurts, and I am growing tired. I fight as hard as I can, even though my body starts to move sluggishly. I won’t give up. They won’t take me easily. Caleb intently watches Harper from his perched platform. That she continues to fight so ardently, however amateurishly, both impresses him and annoys him. Why must she continue to be so stubborn? Even now, if she were to reach her hand out to him for mercy, he would grant it. If she would only admit her wrongdoing, none of this would be necessary. She could return to the palace and live a life of moderate comfort as his slave. If she stayed loyal to him, she wouldn’t need to fear for her life at the claws and jaws of ferocious animals. Yet her stubbornness continues to push her into making bad