Chapter 21

• Loveth’s POV
• I had no idea what time it was when I finally finished scrubbing and cleaning the tiny room. Exhaustion coursed through me, making it a challenge to even remain standing. The mattress had been unsalvageable—soaked and reeking of a stench I could barely tolerate. I dragged it out and resigned myself to sleeping on the cold, hard floor.
• Lying there, my body ached, and I knew the following day would bring even more pain. This wasn’t ideal, but it was all I had. Sitting upright all night wasn’t an option, and the stern woman who brought me here had made it clear I was to sleep inside this miserable space. Despite my exhaustion, my thoughts raced.