chapter 10

Gannon A gnawing hunger twists my stomach, relentless and cruel. I am absolutely starving, my body weakened by the relentless denial of sustenance since I arrived in this wretched place. The mere thought of food sends a surge of longing through me, but the girls who dared to offer me a morsel of anything were met with brutal beatings. I can’t bear to witness their suffering, not when my torment is unbearable. So, when the heavy door creaks open, I release a weary sigh and reluctantly disentangle myself from the bed, knowing all too well what awaits me. Slumping onto the cold, unforgiving ground, I lean against the rough wall, seeking a smidge of comfort in this wretched existence. Only Kade enters the room this time, his imposing figure halting in front of me. Usually, it would be Cassandra who made her periodic visits, injecting me with some vile concoction that prevented my ability to shift. But today, she is nowhere to be seen. “Get up!” he barks, his voice dripping with malice. “Pa