THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

CHAPTER.3.2.

Naehi's eyes locked onto Lady Nahum's, her heart racing with anticipation. "What is it, my lady?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lady Nahum's face contorted in anguish. "I was summoned to the court to bring you to the palace for selection. I'm afraid I will lose you, Naehi."

Naehi's face remained calm, but inside, she was reeling. She forced a smile onto her face, trying to reassure Lady Nahum. "I'm sure the fate that brought me to you loves me, and everything that will happen to me, whether good or bad, will only make me stronger."

Lady Nahum's eyes searched Naehi's face, as if looking for any sign of fear or uncertainty. But Naehi's expression remained resolute.

"When is the selection, my lady?" Naehi asked, her voice steady.

Lady Nahum's voice was laced with sadness. "It's in nine days."

Naehi's heart skipped a beat, but she refused to show any fear. "My lady, please don't worry yourself too much. Everything will be alright. I'm sure you must be tired and feeling sleepy. Please go inside and rest."

Lady Nahum stood up, her eyes never leaving Naehi's face. "My dear Naehi, why aren't you coming inside with me?"

Naehi smiled reassuringly. "I'll join you soon, my lady. I just want to view the stars a bit more before I sleep," Naehi said, her voice calm and reassuring.

Lady Nahum's eyes lingered on Naehi's face, as if searching for any hidden emotions. Then, she nodded and turned to go inside. "Alright, Naehi. Don't stay out too long. I'll be expecting you soon."

As soon as Lady Nahum disappeared into the house, Naehi's composure crumbled. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed uncontrollably, her body shaking with fear and uncertainty.

"Oh, God, why have you forsaken me?" Naehi cried out, her voice echoing into the night. "Why must I suffer so much? I thought I had found a home with Lady Nahum, but now it seems I'll be torn away from her too."

As Naehi wept, she felt a sense of desperation wash over her. She knew she had to think of a way to escape the selection, to avoid being sent back to the slave camp or worse. But for now, she just let her tears flow, mourning the uncertain fate that lay ahead.

After what felt like an eternity, Naehi finally composed herself and stood up, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

With a newfound determination, Naehi turned and walked back into the house, ready to face whatever challenges awaited her. But as she entered the house, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into a trap, one that would change her life forever.