Sallie's POV
Levi's gentle voice broke something inside me, and I sobbed even harder, like every ounce of terror and agony from the last two years was finally pouring out.
During my time at St. Chaim's, I'd dreamed of this moment over and over. I'd pictured myself racing into Levi's arms just like before, telling him about every cruel thing that happened, letting him defend me and make them all pay.
But when Levi softly asked if anyone had hurt me out there, I managed a shaky smile through my tears and shook my head.
The grief inside me wouldn't stop rising.
After they dragged me to that nightmare place, I never had enough food or warm clothes. They beat me, humiliated me, treated me like something less than a stray animal. They even stole my name—I became just "Number Ten."
Anyone there could abuse me however they wanted. Not only did they face no consequences, they got rewarded for it. The crueler they were, the more praise they received.
