76

Camila

It’s nice to have the freedom to explore the gardens. Ever since being back, I’ve noticed there are fewer guards lurking around. Asher mentioned defectors. Perhaps that’s why it’s so barren now.

Wandering the rows of lush roses that hang, ever resilient, against the onslaught of winter brings me solace. But a cage is still a cage, even if you can see the sky.

What am I supposed to do?

Asher has made his goal as clear as ever. It’s changed very little from what it started as. Yes, he wants Yannick dead. He also wants to dismantle his sordid business like he did years ago. Both are noble things, especially once I think about the poor women forced to work in the brothels. Are all of them marked with tattoos like Mila?

Strolling around the curve of a water fountain, I notice the stream has been shut off to make sure the pipes don’t freeze. I wish it was still running at full force now. I’d have liked to sit on the edge of the smooth stone, listening to the bubbling water.

I’ve alwa