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Chapter 5

Author: Mary Anthony
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-11 18:25:14

Ava POV

I spend the entire day going through my usual chores.

Cleaning the kitchen is always a nightmare because the cooks are constantly experimenting with food. This time, even the walls are splattered with sticky batter. My stomach growls loudly as I wipe up the mess with my rag and wring it out into a bucket.

I’m starving, but I can't eat until the work is done. The Mistress Elara calls it “motivation.”

Sometimes, when I get fed up with the rules, I sneak a bite when no one’s looking. So far, I haven’t been caught, but I dread the day I get found out. When it happens, the Mistress Elara will make me sing like a bird.

I sneak a drink of water to calm my growling stomach, imagining the dreadful day when I’m finally caught. The cool water feels so good going down my throat that I close my eyes and sigh with relief.

"Ava!"

I jump and almost choke on the water.

Of course, this happens right now, when I’m feeling bold. Of course, I get caught eating when I least expect it
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