LENORA'S POV
"UP! YOU DON'T SLEEP PAST THE BELL!"
The shout tore through the quarters before the second bell even finished ringing.
I jolted awake on the stone slab that passed for bedding, my shoulder already aching from the cold that had seeped through the thin padding beneath me.
The chamber smelled of damp fabric, metal, and too many bodies forced into one space.
It had been eight days since my reduction.
Eight mornings since my name had been called differently. Since silk had been replaced with rough linen. Since doors stopped opening for me and started locking behind me.
I was not used to any of this, and I don't think I ever will.
"MOVE!" the guard barked again, pacing between the rows. "Or I'll drag you myself."
I pushed myself upright before he could decide to make an example of me.
The cold floor bit into my bare feet the moment I stood. Around me, the other maids were already lining up with their heads lowered automatically, movements trained by habit or fear.
