Valine lay down on the cold floor, hugging her knees and rubbing her arms together for warmth. She had little energy to stand up, and her lips were parched and dry. Her throat, which felt dry and scratchy, begged for water. After going without meals for four days, she was shivering and her head was throbbing. It is all thanks to the very small window that birds can only get into that she could track the time. It currently indicates that it is nighttime. The night sky was starless, reflecting her gloominess.

Since the day she confronted her mate, no one had visited her or checked on her. Even candles...