"Dismissed."

My throat burned with the effort to hold back tears as I walked back to my cell. Two weeks without Lucien. Without Maya. Without Damon or anyone who loved me. Fourteen days of knowing they'd come to visit and be turned away at the door.

A small part of me felt pride amidst the despair. I'd defended what was mine. I hadn't cowered or let someone take from me. In a place designed to strip away dignity, I'd fought for the one thing that mattered.

But then again, look what that cost ...