Chapter 28

I had learned long ago to keep my mouth shut and simply endure whatever came my way.

"Stand up," he commanded in a detached tone, yet his voice sent a chill coursing through my already cold and trembling body.

By some miracle, I found the strength to stand, struggling to keep my balance. I couldn't bear to look him in the eye, so I kept my head bowed, hugging myself in a desperate attempt to quell the tremors wracking my frame. It was futile, of course.

As the reality of my situation sank in, I figured that the infection those talons would bring to my torn flesh might at least provide me with some heat for the night. It was a sickening thought that danced uncomfortably close to a sense of comfort—a twisted irony adding to the many in my life.

"Take off your clothes."

Shocked, I looked up, my wide eyes locking onto my father's. Had I heard him correctly?

"Take off your clothes," he repeated, his tone now laced with a sinister edge that sent shivers