A knock at the door broke through my sleep. I had fallen asleep with difficulty, despite being completely exhausted. My eyes refused to open, but the moment a cold hand touched my shoulder, I woke instantly.
My father was sitting on the edge of the bed, and behind him stood a man holding a medical case. I looked at my father questioningly.
“What is it?”
“I need your blood. Don’t worry—I won’t take much. I need you healthy this evening.”
“I didn’t agree to this,” I said sharply, staring at him.
“No one gave you a choice.”
He grabbed my arm and pulled up my sleeve. The man with the case unpacked his instruments and began the unpleasant procedure. Clenching my teeth, I endured it in silence.
“Take a shower. In half an hour, Katya will come and help you get ready for dinner.”
I didn’t
