Chapter 14

Natalie

The lash bit into my back once more, tearing another ragged cry from my throat.

"Just five more strikes to go," the guard intoned coldly.

I sagged in my restraints, shaking. It was the third brutal punishment this week on Lucas' orders. Ever since I had recovered enough from the previous incident to return to the kitchens, he seemed intent on finding any excuse to see me thrashed bloody.

My continued defiance fed Lucas' cruelty. He was determined to break me, body and soul. But some stubborn core of pride refused to buckle, even as pain and hopelessness eroded my will bit by bit.

The final vicious strikes fell, leaving me barely conscious as they cut me down. Only Mary's steady hands kept me from collapsing to the courtyard stones. She alone showed me any shred of kindness in this hellish place.

"Hush now, you're alright," Mary soothed as she helped me limp back to the slave quarters. But we both knew it was a lie. I was anything but alright.

Lucas' relentless torment was unr