Chapter 111

"This is true." Gerald seconded.

"Stay," she heard John say from the corner of his mouth as he released her to stand on her own, still with her back to her audience. John walked behind her and she felt infuriatingly bereft in his absence. He was quick to return, although she could not see him as he remained behind her. She felt the presence of his large body. Suddenly she felt a sharp prick in the area John's finger had lingered on before above her buttocks. She made a hissing sound more in surprise than actual pain. She realized that he had poked her blemish with a needle as she felt a drop of what she surmised to be blood tickling her skin in its slow descent.

"It bleeds." John said with what sounded like a hint of annoyance.

"Search her again, make sure there are no other marks, be thorough." His uncle ordered from across the room. She was sure this was part of the facade to convince the minister of their legitimacy. She rolled her eyes openly as her face was