Chapter 156. My Own Weakness

She hesitated. “Other girls have been wondering the same thing,” she said at last, pulling out a simple gown. “Most of us ended up here by chance or through some twisted choice of fate.”

I drew in a shaky breath. Sex slaves—there was no nicer term for what they expected me to become.

Alice held up the gown. It was nothing more than a thin shift, the color faded. “You need to bathe before you can wear anything,” she said, stepping toward the door. In a whisper she added, “Let me know if you need help.” Then she was gone, the latch clicking shut behind her.

Her quick exit left the room feeling even more oppressive. The gown in my hand seemed as heavy as my chains. Outside, laughter and music echoed through the hall—muffled, but unmistakably alive. My curiosity fought with my dread until I rose on unsteady feet and crept to the door.

I cracked it open and peered into the corridor. Below, in the main hall, a raucous celebration roared to life: men’s rough voices