Lireal got off her mattress and stretched, the soft cotton of her nightgown sliding over her skin. She stood up and quietly checked on her still-sleeping aunt. As she stood in the silent room, she heard her name being called. Leaving the room, she walked down the stairs to find an unexpected gatheringβWillow, her uncle Richard, and his mistress.
βWhat do you want?β Lireal asked, her voice cold and still as she approached the trio.
βHow dare you embarrass Willow, my precious daughter!β uncle Richard shouted, his face flushed with rage. βYou are nothing but a poor orphan, and youβve had the audacity to...β
βWow, itβs embarrassing for me to stand up for myself, but not embarrassing for your daughter to sleep with anyone who shows her the time of day,β Lireal shot back, her voice sharp and
