Caged
Lily’s cage reeked of sweat and despair, the straw beneath her matted with blood and filth from two nights of torment. Her body was a map of bruises, her thighs crusted with the dogs’ seed, her mind a fractured mess of fear and shame. Mia’s whispers from the next cage, promises of escape, were the only thing keeping her from breaking completely. But the distant bellow of a bull shattered that fragile hope, echoing through the barn like a death knell. The iron door groaned, and the Beastmaster’s heavy boots thudded closer. He yanked Lily’s leash, dragging her out, her knees scraping the concrete. Mia’s cage opened next, and the redhead stumbled out, her green eyes blazing with defiance despite the welts on her pale skin.