Chapter 22

Maxine's POV

I fought through the exhaustion, pushing myself harder than I ever had before.

Just as I was about to collapse, the stern man called a halt. "That's enough for today," he said, his voice gruff. "You did... better, at least you didn't pass out again."

It was not much of a compliment, but it was something. I nodded, too tired to speak, and made my way back to my cell. My body ached all over, but I felt a small spark of pride. I had survived another day.

As I lay in my bed that night, I thought about the future. The training was hard, and the odds were against me, but I had to keep going. I had to get stronger, for me, for my freedom and sanity. One day, I would prove my worth, not just to Liam but to everyone who doubted me.

With that thought in mind, I closed my eyes and drifted into an exhausted sleep, wishing that Liam would not call me to prepare dinner for him.

I was deep in sleep, exhaustion had finally overtaken