Page 5 of Damian

Basil has four women in his tent, and two daughters. We’re forced to huddle in the corner and watch him as he rapes each of us during our fertile period every month. Even his daughters sit with us instead of staying in another tent away from the horror.

He’s the only one with a mattress in the tent.

The six of us sleep together on the hard ground.

“Did you know that the Fates have blessed each of us with a mate? One who won’t beat us?”

I nearly drop the buckets I just filled. “Who told you that?”

“Momma. She was crying, and I asked her what was wrong. She pulled me into her lap and told me she dreamed of the day the Fates would send her mate to rescue her.”

Who am I to squash Georgia’s happiness?

“Georgia, you can never tell your poppa what your momma told you. He would definitely send her to the pole. He might even kill her.”

A tear slides down the young girl’s cheek. “Like your momma.”

I take a deep breath and pour the buckets into the metal tub for Anna. “Yes, like my momma.”

“I promise Des. I’ll never say anything.”

“You’re a good girl, Georgia.”

She smiles up at me with a toothless grin before I make my way to the well for more water.

The next three nights, Georgia would sit with me while I cover her mouth to keep the child’s screams from interrupting her poppa. Her younger sister isn’t old enough yet to understand the horror we’re forced to witness.

I say a brief prayer to Helios that one day his mercy will shine on all of us. Whether in this life or in death.

Chapter 5

Damian

Thirty-three years ago

“I loved once and lost. To love a second time and lose again makes me a fool.” ~ Damian

“Eleni, you look beautiful tonight, my love.”

She returns my gaze with a smile. A smile that doesn’t reach her gray eyes.

The night is serene. The moon casts a soft glow on the grassy field where we sit. The stars twinkle above us, and the gentle hum of crickets fills the air. Fireflies dance around us, creating a magical ambiance.

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes, my love. I’m just tired.” The tone behind her reassuring words adds to my worry. I brush it aside to enjoy our anniversary dinner. The blanket beneath us provides warmth, and the scent of fried chicken mixes with the earthy aroma of the grass.

One year ago, Eleni knocked on my door with a seductive look in her eye.

She’d come for a no strings attached relationship that turned into more.

After Katarina’s rejection, Eleni came to me like a breath of fresh air.

She unknowingly helped me see I could love again.

We haven’t spent a night apart since she came to me. Three hundred and sixty-five days of bliss. Each day was a new adventure, from spontaneous road trips to quiet evenings watching movies. She made me feel alive again.

I spread the blanket in the grass while she unpacks the picnic she brought for us.

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