The First Attempt

Xenia looked for a place to hide but gave up and climbed back into bed. The glass on the bedside was filled with water. So, she quickly drank it and hid the glass under the covers. She didn't know what or who to expect, but she wanted to be prepared.

She focused on calming her pulse before lying back down. It took a minute for the person to come into the room. She could hear the rickety sound of a cart being pushed across the floor. It stopped near the front of the bed. By the footsteps, she knew it was at least two people. They continued to busy themselves around the room, and she could hear someone running water. Then, a hand caressed the side of her face.

"I know you're not asleep, Xenia."

Him. Xenia gripped the covers and slowly opened her eyes to see him beside her bedside. He sat down as she sat up and watched him cautiously. Two other women were in the room with them, so Xenia felt some relief. She didn't want to be alone with him. One woman moved things in and out of