章 25: Chapter 25: A Vow for Liberation

The chains hang heavier as days pass. My wrists and ankles feel sore. I find myself sitting on the stone floor more often. Especially since another fight between my captor and I led to a loss of bed privileges. Regardless of the pain, I manage to bide time for rest.

Despite Pautina’s disappointment in me, her visitations still occur. I simply do not understand why one will proceed to be intimate with an individual that they do not love. 'Perhaps she still has affections set aside for me.' I only comply with her wishes because the will to argue has left.

One night, or day, I receive a strange meal. Pautina hands me a tray with dark meat. I am skeptical of where the Sumerki find their food. Yet, once I start chewing, I notice a new texture. The meat is stringier than I recall in other meals. Rather than finish the plate, I slide the tray towards the chamber door.

"Do you wish to starve to death?" Pautina asks me with a bitter tone.