CHAPTER THIRTEEN -- One Cunning Woman
The sun was barely up when I heard the commotion outside. Raised voices, sharp cracks against flesh, and the unmistakable sound of someone crying out. My stomach turned
I rushed outside, and the sight stopped me cold. Maya was on her knees in the dirt, her arms flung over her head as two older maids struck her with sticks. Her dress was torn at the shoulder, and her back was red with angry welts.
"Get off her!" I snapped, my voice ringing louder than I expected. I surged forward, grabbing one of the maids by the arm and shoving her away. The other took a step back, startled.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I demanded angrily.
"Miss Jana.." one of them
stammered, eyes darting nervously.
"Who told you to lay a hand on her?"
I demanded,
