But just as quickly as the hope flared up in me, it flickered out. Luca's body slumped forward, his breath slowing, then stopping altogether.
I recoiled, my heart sinking into my stomach. He was gone.
No, that can't be. I rushed out of the room, calling for the guards, my hands shaking as I tried to steady my breath. They arrived quickly, but by the time they entered, Luca was already lifeless.
I went back to my room in a daze, my mind spinning. I tore the slave dress off, throwing it aside as I rushed into the shower.
The water was hot against my skin, but it did nothing to ease the coldness inside. The tears came, unstoppable now, as I thought of Luca and the countless others like him.
The poor boy had died in front of me, and all I could do was stand there, helpless.
I sank to the
