Page 50 of A Raven Revived

Eventually, Daisy’s knees began to ache from being on the hard floor for so long. Just as she was about to get up, there was a light tap on the door, but no one entered.

“That means quiet time is over,” Samantha explained.

“We can talk?”

“Yes.”

Daisy groaned as she got to her feet. She stretched her arms in the air, and eventually sat on the edge of the bed. “How long have you been here?”

Samantha shrugged. “I think something like six weeks.”

Daisy hadn’t even been there six days yet. Six weeks must feel like a lifetime.

“Why are you here?”

“My brother brought me here to keep me safe.”

That didn’t make any sense. How could anyone think a hellish place like this could ever be safe? “Safe from what?”

After a moment, she pulled up one of her sleeves. Her wrist was marked with a long red scar. “From me.”

Without hesitation, Daisy crossed the room and wrapped her arms around Samantha. “I’m so sorry for whatever you went through.” Suddenly, she felt like the lucky one. Even when she’d been desperate to get out of her impending marriage to Geoffrey, she’d never considered taking her own life. “I won’t pry into your personal business, but if you ever want to talk about anything, I’m happy to listen.”

“Why are you here?” she asked, obviously not wanting to talk about whatever had driven her to such lengths.

Daisy let out a long sigh and moved back to sit on her bed. “A few years ago, I jilted a man I was supposed to marry. In the process, I brought scandal down on two very powerful families. I humiliated my father, and cost him a piece of land from the neighboring estate.” She shrugged. “This is my punishment.”

“Why did he wait a few years?”

“It’s a long story, but essentially, I ran away and found myself a new life. A wonderful place where I was surrounded by the most amazing people. People who are supportive, caring, and kind.”

Samantha smiled. “That sounds lovely.”

“When I find a way out of here, I’ll bring you with me,” she promised.

“I hope you do find a way out, and would like nothing more than to go with you, but it’s not so bad here if you cooperate.”

“How do you do it?”

She looked down at her fidgeting fingers in her lap. When she spoke, her voice barely made a sound. “I’ve been forced to endure far worse than anything they make me do here.”

What did that mean? Before Daisy could respond, the lock scraped and the door to their cell swung open. Samantha got to her feet, so Daisy did too. Dr. Mickelson looked pleased, and she hated herself for it.

“It’s time for some movement. Lead the way to the yard, Samantha”

“Am I going too?” Daisy asked.

“Yes, but no more talking.”

She nodded and followed Samantha out of the room and eventually back out into the fresh air. The warmth of the afternoon sun was divine. The women spaced themselves out in three rows this time, rather than walking the perimeter. Another woman stood before them, moving her arms in small circles. They all copied her, so Daisy followed along. Despite the lingering soreness, the movement eased the stiffness in her muscles and felt so good. A sense of peace settled over her as she moved her body and filled her lungs.

Over the course of an hour, they progressed through a variety of exercises. At the end, they stretched, leaning from side to side and reaching over their heads and bending down to touch their toes. She enjoyed every minute of it. Was it worth giving this up to keep fighting? She chastised herself for even asking the question. Of course it was, but right now, she was biding her time. She was saving up her energy so she could fight again. Or at least, that’s what she told herself.

After a couple more hours of quiet time in their cell, Daisy followed Samantha back to the dining hall. Something smelled delicious and her mouth watered. Each of them was handed a steaming bowl of stew by the same woman who had dished their porridge at breakfast time. At the end of the counter was a tray of bread, so she grabbed herself a piece and headed for the table.

Samantha sat beside her and Daisy smiled. What was wrong with her? She shouldn’t be smiling. She should be fighting. But she wasn’t going to pass up this meal. She savored every single bite. She just needed it to replenish her strength.

After they finished eating, they returned to their cell. Dr. Mickelson handed her a book of scriptures.

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