XVIII

Penelope panted from where she laid on the stone table, her bare back covered in glossy golden blood. "You wanna talk now?" the guard asked, holding the whip higher above her with a wide grin. Penelope was shaking, clenching her fists as she managed to keep tears from staining her cheeks, but she didn't say anything.

Another loud, sickening crack sounded through the dark, dank room, followed by Penelope's scream.

"Ugh, when are they gonna bring us food?" Terrance whined from where he sat in the corner of the large cell, tugging on his black curls.

Valerie's mouth curved upward slightly, but the smile faded before it had ever formed when she caught sight of Camilla.

The beautiful angel hadn't said a word since they'd arrived. She'd only stared blankly at the opposite wall, warm brown eyes vacant and dull. Normally, this would not be so startling, but Valerie had never seen Camilla without a sparkle in her gaze. Never.