Page 74 of Devour
“Told you hot water runs out,”
I quickly turn off the water and step out of the shower, shivering slightly as I wrap a towel around myself.
“We need to get dressed.”
She leads me to the shared closet. All the clothes and underwear are white. As I scan through the rows of fabric, Inotice all the outfits are the same: short dresses with spaghetti straps.
“The clothes are identical.”
“Yeah,” Lana confirms a few feet away. “They’re just different sizes.”
I finally pull out one I think might fit, only for someone to snatch it from my hands.
“That’s mine,” she says sharply.
I move to take it back, but Lana places a hand on my arm.
“Don’t. You don’t want to start anything with her. That’s Livia. She thinks she’s the most beautiful girl here just because the Mistresses like her.”
“I’m not fighting for her crown,” I mutter. “I have zero interest in being the prettiest if it means getting sold to the highest bidder.”
“She’s just jealous. Now she’s got prettier competition.”
“You mean me?”
“Yes. Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re glowing.”
If only she knew, I don’t feel like I’m glowing inside. I feel like I’m unraveling. “You’re beautiful too,” I say, and she blushes.
“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
“Yes. I am saying it to make you feel better. Because it’s true.” She laughs softly and changes the subject.
“Come on, let’s get dressed or we’ll be late for breakfast.”
The smell hits me before I even see the food. My stomach churns violently, and I have to cover my mouth, swallowing hard to keepbile from rising. If I had anything in me, it would’ve been all over the floor. Lucia catches my reaction before I can hide it.
“Are you okay? You look pale. You need to sit down.”
I nod. She’s right, I’m getting lightheaded.
“You’re sweating. Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?”
“I’m fine,” I assure her, lowering myself into the first chair I see as we enter the hall. “I just haven’t eaten in a while.”
“Okay,” she says gently.
“Let me get you something to eat. I’ll be right back.”
Once she leaves, I take a moment to look around. There are no windows, just like the dorm. A creeping thought settles in we might be underground. I take a deep breath, trying not to spiral. Then I shift my focus to myself.
I can’t afford to get sick in this place. I have to be strong—for when Luca comes to save me. I know he’ll turn the world upside down to find me. I miss Noah too, I wonder how he’s doing. I cut off the thought when I see how emotional it makes me. This isn’t the time to get sentimental.
My stomach still feels queasy. I chalk it up to a stomach bug. But yesterday…a terrifying thought flashed through my mind. What if that bastard raped me while I was passed out? Just the thought of it makes my skin crawl.
I shift uncomfortably on the wooden chair, pressing down slightly on my center, checking for any pain or discomfort. But there’s nothing—no soreness, no pressure. And judging by how rough he was with his fingers… if he had done anything more, I don’t think he would’ve been gentle.
Another shiver runs through me just thinking about it. Lana returns with two trays loaded with food—eggs, toast, fruit, oatmeal, and bottled water. I force a smile, not wanting to worry her. She sets the tray in front of me and sits across from me with her own.
