Naomi’s POV

Days had begun to blend together, thin as mist. The only way I could tell one from another was by the light that crept through the barred window.

When the pale gray deepened to gold, I knew it was morning. When the shadows stretched, I knew the day had passed without rescue.

The guards had grown bored of me. That was their first mistake.

They no longer came in groups of three. Only one stood watch outside now, leaning on the doorframe, humming sometimes. The limp one, always chewing on a matchstick, his rifle slung carelessly across his back. He thought I was harmless. A girl in chains,...