PTE

d away, locked in a room, and left to await m

ith a kind expression entered the room. She couldn't have been more than a fe

voice barely above a whisper. "I've been sent

. "No, please," I begged, my voice trembling. "Don't make me do this

d, her voice filled with compassion. "I really am. But this is the way things are around here. It's

suring hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you," she said. "But firs

with a quiet resignation, as if she had long since given up hope. I sensed that Joanna

ccepted the chief's offer to become his wife," Joanna said, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

a. "How can you say that?" I demanded, my voice rising. "You know what he'

saying it's right." she said. "I'm just saying it's the way it is. We have

help me, in her own way. I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "I'm

last thing you'd like to hear, but you have to do your best tonight to satisfy the chief so he'll consider taking you out of the brothel to serve him personally. It's not ideal but it's bette

eam at Joanna. But Joanna didn't flinch, instead, she w

and whispered, "When the chief comes tonight, tell him You're experiencing your monthly cycle. He won't believe you, of course, but it might be able to buy you a littl

of solidarity there. "Thank you," I whispered, m

do whatever I can to help you. But we have to be careful, if the chi

re mid-embrace I noticed a strange girl lurking by the window. The girl's expres

ding towards the girl but unfortunately

I immediately stood up, my voice shaking as I stamm

n me?" he sneered. "I know you're lying. Come on, lyra. This isn't the first time I've heard that excuse, if

onvince him. "I'm not lying! I'm telling the tru

is face. "Oh really? Fine I'll call someone in to conf

d. My eyes locked onto hers, pleading for her to confirm my story. Joanna

r, from the bath house barged into the room, falling to her knees as she begged for forgiveness. "Please, chief, I'm