Every step toward freedom costs her another piece of herself.

———

Lily’s POV

The sound of birdsong stirred me awake.

It felt foreign, too gentle, too free. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, the softness beneath me almost tricked me into thinking I was home. But then I remembered: this wasn't comfort. This was another cage.

Still, I stretched, careful not to wake the twins. My limbs were sore but grateful to not be resting on concrete. The mattress beneath me was too soft, almost offensive to a body that had grown accustomed to punishment.

I rose and moved toward the window. The glass was thick, the bars...