Chapter 88

One month later

Pepper

My body shakes so hard my teeth rattle. I can't get warm and don't remember being warm for so long now. I've been in this dark cold room for weeks and much of that time I've had a fever.

The night my world changed, Henry and another man came and took me from my bed about an hour after Tahr warned me of the punishment. I wasn't asleep when they arrived and I was almost relieved to find out so quickly what my penance would be. The relief faded after a few days with nothing but straw on a cold floor. Well, two buckets in the corner-one with water and one for waste. Tears ran down Henry's face as they escorted me here. I shudder with another chill and feel heartache over what he was made to do.

I've been fed regularly, but two days ago my illness took away all desire for food. I hear mice skittering around as they enjoy the last tray that was slid under the door. This tiny cell has become a living nightmare. I won't survive much longer and I've made my peace.

Henry