Freya's POV

Nelly and I have known each other since childhood; we were both born in the mountains.

Although my family had a preference for boys over girls, I was still able to attend school.

Nelly was much more unfortunate. She lived tied up in a pigsty, while I had endless chores at home and sometimes felt quite aggrieved. But when I saw Nelly, covered in wounds, I felt lucky.

I wanted to save her, but I couldn't even climb over the low courtyard wall. So, I took my textbooks and often read to her, and I would secretly take food from home to give to Nelly and her mother....