She slowly lifted the blanket and checked herself, her jaw clenching so hard it almost cracked. The wet marks and bruises on her skin made her breathing unsteady.
That filthy man had touched her.
And worse… he had bolted the door.
A poor village. A desperate man. A greedy family.
She had seen this kind of ugliness before, but she never thought she'd fall into it again.
Her fingers dug into the bedding.
If she survived this, she would make sure this family paid for every second of humiliation she'd endured.
Outside, Neal rushed into the kitchen and saw Vanessa crouched by the stove, tending the fire.
"Mother!" he said excitedly. "That girl is awake!"
Vanessa's eyes immediately lit up.
"Awake?" she repeated, voice sharp.
Neal nodded quickly, practically glowing. "She said she'll repay us when she goes back. Mother, we must treat her well. Find her a set of clothes!"
Vanessa slowly stood up, wiping her hands on her apron. She stared at her son as if he were an idiot.
