By midday, my hands were raw, I'd washed dishes for three hours straight. Mountains of them. Plates, bowls, cups, pots. The water was scalding hot and Mara didn't believe in breaks."Faster," she barked from across the kitchen. "Lunch prep starts in twenty minutes and I need those pots."I scrubbed harder, ignoring the burning in my palms.Other kitchen workers moved around me. They were three women and two men. All rogues but none of them spoke to me. They just worked, efficient and silent.I finished the last pot and set it on the drying rack."Good," Mara said. "Now chop the vegetables over there."She pointed to a table covered in carrots, onions, and potatoes. A knife lay beside them.I walked over and started chopping. My hands were shaking from exhaustion but I didn't stop.The door to the kitchen swung open.Lila walked in.She looked perfect with her hair pulled back.She smiled at Mara like they were old friends."Morning, Mara. Smells good in here.""Always does," Mara repl
Last Updated : 2026-01-27 Read more