Chapter 25

Alaria

The door was heavy. The silence heavier.

But to say that I was angry would be an understatement to how I was feeling.

The guards posted outside barely glanced at me as they brought in the tray of food and left without a word. I glared at the untouched tray. Much like the others, I have been watching them bring them in and take them out. I refused to eat, I refused to allow them to think that they could weaken or break me.

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing, my arms folded tightly across my chest.

Until I heard it.

Small fists banging on the door.

“Mama! Mama! Let me see Mama!”

My stomach dropped. My hands clenched into fists against my arms.

“Please! I want to see my Mama!” Her little voice cracked, and my whole body went cold. “Open the door. Why won't you let me see Mama?”

Then another voice, deep, calm, and hard, cut through her cries.

“Enough, Anastasia,” Liam said. “Your mother… d