The shock on Marek’s face could only reflect the shock that rippled through me. However, the lines on his face twisted from shock to worry. He didn’t say anything, though, as he watched me. I didn’t know what to do.

Embarrassment flooded through me, and I tried to move out of Marek’s reach. This was not who I was. I did not cry. I went through torture session after torture session without making a sound. I’d taken the abuse at the mansion, thinking I had no other place I could escape. ...