Elena’s Point Of View
The room went very still. My sister’s face went white, her mouth forming a sound that was not yet a cry. I could feel every beat of my heart like a curse. For a moment I saw nothing but my mother’s face… lined, hard, convinced of a righteousness that we were not allowed to question.
“Mom,” I managed. “You…”
She cut me off with a look so absolute I folded inside it. “It’s decided. After three days, and if you’re still proving stubborn, then I’ll take your sister to him.” She paused, her lip curling in disdain, and with an eye roll before leaving, she said, “At least one of you ought to be of value to me.”
Her words settled over us like a verdict. I cupped my ribs where the bruises were already beginning, and I held my siblings closer, the room narrowing to the thre
