Chapter 39 039

• The sweet, unfamiliar aroma wafting through the room was what pulled Gwen from the depths of sleep. Her stomach grumbled loudly, making her grimace. She blinked groggily, taking in the simple, unfamiliar surroundings. The room was plain but cozy, a stark contrast to the cold, opulent prison she once called home. Her eyes drifted to the small wooden stool beside the bed where a tray of steaming food waited.
• Without thinking twice, she reached for it, hunger overriding every other thought. She dug in, stuffing her face with the warm, savory stew, the taste of spices and fresh herbs overwhelming her senses. She had been starving herself for days back home—her only act of rebellion, of control, against a life suffocating her—and now her body was demanding to make up for lost time.
• "I see you're awake," a voice cut through the silence.