Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 91631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
"Keep your tail out of reach," the kitchen slave croaks. "Or he'll deglove yours just like he did to the scientist."
Hrakich whimpers.
I clench my butt in sympathy. I've seen the bandages all over the scientist's tail, and I knew something happened, but not that? Degloved sounds…awful. With a shudder, I pick up the scrubber again and pretend to scrape the nearest bowl. If he's that vicious, why the hell aren't they going to drug him? Being drugged is awful, but one of Lord Sir’s gladiators got free once and ran on a rampage through the slave quarters. What happened next wasn’t pretty. I had nightmares for months afterward. I know the damage a male like that can do. They—
"Human!" the kitchen slave calls out, and I jump guiltily. "Mina!"
I pull my hands free from the soapy water and dry them on my plas-apron. "Yes?"
The kitchen slave holds a tray out. It's got noodles and a carafe of fresh fruit juice on it, a treat when the gladiators are performing particularly well. "This tray is to go to your cellblock. You're to take it to the lord and wait for instructions there."
I clasp the tray in my damp hands and then pause. Wait? "Instructions on the food?" I wonder if it's because it's drugged. "Or something else?"
She shrugs. "I'm just conveying what the overseer told me. You can ask him if you want more details."
Ugh, I'll pass. I hate the overseer even more than I hate Lord Sir and the scientist. He gives me the creeps, and I'm careful not to get on his bad side or else I'll end up with the worst jobs in the compound, like cleaning out clogged pipes or the laundry, which is usually covered in things I don't want to think about.
Or worse. I've heard of some of the other slaves spending a night in his bed. Dunno if it was voluntary. I haven't asked and I don't want to know. All I know is that he stares at me a little too hard sometimes and so I try to stay out of sight and out of mind.
I take the tray from the kitchen slave and head out of the kitchens. It's a lovely day with a gorgeous sunset, the weather mild for V’tarr’s moon, but I can't stop to enjoy it. My mind races as I walk across the grounds, heading for cellblock C. The barracks are busy despite the time of day, and I see a couple of guards hounding a chained-up gladiator who's doing yard exercises. I hurry a little faster at the sight of them, because I'm vulnerable out in the open, away from the safety of buildings and even the overseer's unpleasant eye. Sometimes the gladiators push their boundaries, and I don't want to be collateral damage.
I make it to cellblock C quickly and swipe my wrist cuff. The doors unlock, sliding open, and I head inside. I don't see anyone in the halls, so I head toward the scientist's offices, across the way from Lord Sir. As I do, I pass by the new gladiator's cell. He's up and out of his cot. In fact, he's leaning casually against the glass, watching the hall as if expecting something.
The moment he sees me, his tail flicks, dangerously.
Hungry, I tell myself. He's just hungry.
I ignore him, refusing to make eye contact, and swipe my cuff at the scientist's door, waiting. When it opens, I swallow hard and go in, keeping my head ducked. "The overseer said you wished to see me?"
He doesn't get up from his desk, but I still feel as if I'm somehow under scrutiny. "Is this food drugged?"
"I don't know. All I was told was to bring it."
He grunts. "It's for Crulden, but I'm sure you've guessed that." He pauses. "I just want you to know that you'll be safe, human."
Well that's not an alarming statement at all. "Excuse me?" I keep my tone mild and sweet, even though I'm more than a little worried. "I'm not sure I follow."
His gaze focuses on me. He stares me up and down and then steeples his fingers in front of his chin. "Crulden has been…less than enthusiastic about his arrival here. We've been faced with some challenges in regard to his demeanor."
Challenges. Yeah. That's putting it mildly. I'm not sure what this has to do with me, but I wait patiently for an explanation.
"We're trying a new tactic. In exchange for something he wants, we're seeking cooperation from him. Two avians with one throw and all that." He gives me a tight smile. "That's where you come in."
My heart pounds in my ears. "You're giving me to him?"
"What? Oh, no, no." He sits back in his chair and waves his hand, dismissing my concerns. "He can't be trusted with a pet. But he has requested that he get to spend time with you. You'll keep him company while he eats. Don't worry. It'll be supervised. Lord Sir has indicated that you are a prized possession of his."