The rest of the evaluation proceeded in oppressive silence. Inside the cages, the girls trembled, their fear almost palpable. Those whose blood had already been examined whispered desperate prayers, hoping they had proven "worthy" to avoid whatever horrors awaited the unchosen.

I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, fury burning in every cell of my body. This is wrong! We are not merchandise—not objects they can sell or discard if we don’t meet their ...