"Mom," Luna called out as her mother limped back into the hut.
"Baby, are you still awake?" Rose collapsed beside her daughter with a painful sigh. Another night of humiliation—another night with so many… so many! Inwardly, she wept; her body ached from all that had been done to her. Bite marks covered her in places she could barely reach—places only her husband had once touched.
"Are you alright?" Luna asked, worry evident in her voice. The thick clouds obscured the moon, leaving little light to reveal Rose's battered face. "Your voice sounds so tired."
"I'm a bit tired," Rose murmured, gently rubbing her daughter's head. "Why don't we talk about your date?"
"Ca—"
"AHH!"
Luna began, but before she could continue, a sudden, piercing shriek filled the air.
"Hide, quickly!" Rose cried. Instinctively, she draped a cloth over Luna and pulled her close. "Stay here. Do not move!"