Chapter 8. Beyond the Packlands

Elizabeth's POV

I felt nothing but numbness. After completing my required trip into town, I returned with all the supplies from Chloe's list. Darkness had already settled by the time I dragged myself up to the dilapidated two-bedroom house. Chloe was waiting in the small kitchen, her voice sharp as she commanded, "After you've put away the supplies, take off your clothes and leave. Your clothing remains here. Every morning you will check in with me, get dressed, go to work, then return, remove your clothes, and disappear from my sight."

“Yes, ma’am,” I mumbled, keeping my head down. I didn’t have to see her face to know she was smirking—relishing the thought of no longer having to deal with me and taking special satisfaction in my suffering.

Silently, I stowed the groceries and walked into the small bedroom I once thought of as my own. Tears burned my eyes as I realized there was nothing left in that room I cared about losing—nothing, that