I woke up with a deep, aching sensation that stretched through every muscle in my body, my skin cold and clammy. I shivered uncontrollably, the chill seeping into my bones. As my blurry vision cleared, I saw Thika's concerned face hovering above me, her eyes filled with worry. I blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the fog of unconsciousness.I sat up slowly, wincing at the soreness in my limbs. The harsh, sterile smell of the room hit me as I took in my surroundings. It wasn't the king's courtroom anymore. The cold, stone walls were replaced with a simple, dimly lit room. For a moment, I couldn't remember how I had gotten here."Did they kill the baby?" My voice came out shaky, my throat raw from the screaming, the images of Ukzra's desperate cries flooding back into my mind. The memory was seared into me, and I could still feel the terror and helplessness of her last moments.Thika's face hardened, and she responded in her usual matter-of-fact tone, though I could sense the sadness hidden beneath it. "She died, Kirti."I bit my lip, trying to suppress the wave of emotion threatening to overwhelm me. I wanted to ask more, to understand what had happened, but I couldn't bring myself to voice it. It didn't matter. The forces in this palace were far stronger than any of us. There was no justice here."But..." My throat tightened, and I struggled to keep the words in. I was sure the blame for Ukzra's death was mine. If I hadn't spoken out, if I had stayed silent, maybe they would have just taken the child and spared her life. But no, I had opened my mouth, and now the consequence was that Ukzra was gone.Thika seemed to sense my turmoil, and her voice softened slightly. "You didn't have control over that, Kirti. There was nothing you could have done."I couldn't bring myself to answer."Did he see me?" The question slipped out before I could stop it. I kept my head lowered, unable to meet her gaze. The fear in me was palpable. I had spoken out so recklessly, my mind still trapped in the horrors of the courtroom. I couldn't bring myself to look at Zavi again. I didn't know if I could bear it.Thika's eyes widened in surprise. She took a step back, clearly taken aback by my question. "Did who see you?" Her voice was wary, like she didn't want to answer.I looked up, meeting her gaze, desperation creeping into my voice. "Zavi."Thika's face darkened, and she visibly recoiled, like she wanted to distance herself from my words. "You're crazy," she muttered under her breath, glancing around nervously. A few of the girls standing nearby gave me distasteful looks, their eyes sharp with judgment."He did see you," she continued, her voice low, her words clipped. "And he did not like it."I felt a weight settle in my chest at her words, confusion and anger mixing inside me. "What do you mean?"Thika looked around again, as if checking for anyone who might be listening. "He was pissed at Auri for bringing in a human slave to the palace."God, he did care. I couldn't believe it. My heart fluttered, a strange mix of relief and disbelief flooding through me. Zavi hadn't just sat there, unfeeling—he had been angry. He had seen me, had recognized me for what I was. This was my chance. I had to hold on to that.I couldn't stop myself. A smile, small and fragile, spread across my lips."What are you smiling for?" Thika asked, frowning at me. Her tone was harsh, but it lacked its usual edge. She looked worried."He saved me," I whispered, almost to myself, relief flooding my chest. My thoughts began to race ahead. Maybe this was my opportunity to find my mother, to go home, to escape this nightmare.Thika scoffed, her eyes hardening. "No. Nizain didn't save you. He pulled you out from one hell and sent you to another."Her words didn't make sense at first, and I stared at her, trying to comprehend what she meant. "Who is Nizain?" I asked, confusion thick in my voice.Thika sighed deeply, her jaw tight with frustration. "When you passed out after screaming in human language in front of the entire court, the whole courtroom figured out you're a human. And I've already told you how the royals feel about humans." She paused, her expression grim. "Raza was pissed. He ordered an immediate death sentence for you. And twenty lashes as punishment for Auri."I felt my stomach drop. Death sentence. How could that be?"If it wasn't for Nizain, you would never have seen the light of day again," Thika continued. "He requested the council members to spare your life and instead send you to the Kaambh quarters. Lucky for you, they agreed."The Kaambh quarters. A shiver ran through me at the mention of it, but I didn't have time to process that. Nizain, the one who had saved me, had pulled strings to keep me alive. But why? Why had he done it? What did he want from me in return?I was alive, yes, but at what cost?What shocked me more was the fact that Zavi ordered to kill me. "Zavi wanted to kill me?" The words felt like they didn't belong to me, like they were from someone else—someone who couldn't possibly be me."Stop saying his name!!" Thika hissed, her voice low but fierce. "You've gotten us in too much trouble already." She stood abruptly, her movements sharp and agitated, and stomped across the room to her bed. She threw herself down, curling up with her back to me. "You shouldn't have opened your mouth in the first place. I warned you. You didn't save her, did you?"I wanted to apologize. I wanted to say something, anything, to make her understand that I hadn't meant to cause trouble. But the words wouldn't come. They were stuck, caught in my throat, heavy and suffocating.I squeezed the rug wrapped around my trembling body, as if it could shield me from the cold emptiness inside me. The silence in the room felt thick, oppressive. The reality of what I had learned hit me like a blow. Zavi didn't care. Zavi hadn't cared enough to save me. Even if he had recognized me, even if he had known who I was, it didn't matter. The man sitting on the throne was just another tyrant, another face in a long line of rulers who valued power above human life.My heart shattered in silence. I had dreamed, foolishly, of being rescued, of going back to a life I thought I had lost forever. But those dreams were gone now. There was no way out. I would have to live and die in this palace, in this hellish world where human life was nothing more than a commodity, where death was handed out with casual indifference.The sting of tears burned behind my eyes, but I wouldn't let them fall. I couldn't. I couldn't let myself show weakness, not now, not after everything that had happened.Auri's eyes were red when she came to the shed. I could see the fury in them before she even opened her mouth. She stormed in, throwing my belongings out into the mud with a violent motion. The wet, filthy ground seemed to mock me, as if even the earth itself despised me. "You should never come back to the slave quarters!" she yelled, her voice sharp with contempt.Her words stung, but they weren't as painful as the truth that I had failed. I had failed her, failed Ukzra, and failed myself. I had been foolish to think there was a way out.The guards, however, were merciful this time. As I slowly bent down to gather my things from the dirt, I could feel their eyes on me. They didn't push or kick, but there was no kindness in their watchful gaze. I could feel the cold, calculating judgment in every step I took as I bent to pick up the scattered pieces of my life. My body was weak, frail from everything I had endured, and I struggled to keep myself steady as I moved, but they didn't care. They didn't need to.I kept my head down as I stood, the weight of their gaze heavy on me, and slowly followed them into the palace. I couldn't risk angering them. Not now. My body was too worn down from the brutality of the previous days, and the last thing I needed was more punishment.I could hear the whispers between the guards, the low, mocking voices that cut through the silence. One of them spoke in a heavily accented human tongue, their words thick and unfamiliar, but enough to make my stomach twist."What did Nizain see in her?" he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "She isn't even beautiful."The other guard chuckled, his voice more familiar to me now, the harsh tones of Ashubol mixing with their cruel laughter. "She's just a human, nothing more. They all look the same to me."I understood them now, at least enough to know what they were saying. The harsh words they spat at me, the sneers that cut through the air—every word felt like a dagger to my heart. But there was nothing I could do. I was just a slave. Just a body to be used and discarded. My humanity, my worth, had no place here.As the cruel words echoed in my ears, I felt the crushing weight of my insignificance. They didn't care who I was. I was nothing more than a nameless face, a forgotten girl in a palace built on suffering. And no matter how hard I tried, I would never be more than that."Humans are disgusting," the guard on my left spat, his words laced with venom, as he shot me a death glare. If it weren't for the metal helmets they wore, I would have seen the contempt in their eyes, but even through the reflective visors, I could feel the loathing seeping from them. The air around me felt thick with the disdain they had for me and my kind. I couldn't help but wonder what Nizain had wanted from me. Why had he saved me? What was his endgame?But no matter what he wanted, I made a silent vow to myself: if he tried to touch me, if he thought for even a second that I was his to command, I would fight back with everything I had left. I would either kill him or kill myself. The humiliation I had already endured was enough. I wouldn't be subjected to that kind of suffering.As we neared the Kaambh quarters, the scent hit me first. Jasmine. Roses. It should have been comforting, a soft and gentle fragrance that would calm my nerves after months of living in the foul air of detergent, sweat, and the harsh sting of soil. But all it did was tighten the knot of fear in my stomach.I had been here before. Not within the actual Kaambh quarters, but in the hallways leading to it. I had cleaned them on occasion, my ragged clothes brushing against the cool stone floors as I scrubbed the smooth surfaces. The narrow corridor led to a bridge that connected this part of the palace to the other, its wide expanse offering a view of the grandeur beyond. But it wasn't that place that haunted me—it was the rooms beyond it, the whispers I'd overheard of what went on in the Kaambh quarters.The guards stopped in front of a large, imposing door made of dark wood. The intricate carvings caught my eye—naked women, their forms twisted in erotic poses, their bodies carved in exquisite detail. The image burned itself into my memory, and I could feel the weight of it pressing down on me.One of the guards shoved the door open a few inches, but when he didn't immediately follow me inside, I stood frozen in place, confused. "Go in," he gritted out, his voice like gravel, and I realized they weren't coming with me. I was alone now.Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside, my heart hammering in my chest. I immediately stopped in my tracks, overwhelmed by what I saw. The first thing that hit me was the overwhelming presence of skin—so much of it. Naked bodies sprawled across the floor, draped across armchairs, and lounging on plush sofas. Men and women, all entwined in a tangle of limbs, their skin glistening in the dim light.It took a moment for my mind to process the scene before me. I was used to seeing bodies in the rough, under the harshest conditions, but this... This was something else. These people didn't just live; they existed in a world of hedonistic excess, their bodies on display for whatever purpose the Kaambh quarters served.I quickly averted my eyes, unable to continue staring at them. Instead, I focused on the space itself. The room was like a courtyard, open to the sky. The sunlight filtered through a vast opening above, casting long beams of light that seemed to dance across the faces and bodies of the people below. In the center of the room stood a tall, towering tree—its trunk thick and gnarled, stretching so high it seemed to touch the very heavens. The tree's branches spread out above like a canopy, offering shade to those below.Beneath the tree, a small wooden podium had been built, and there, in the shadows of the tree, a cluster of naked bodies were writhing together, their hands and legs tangled in a chaotic mess. They squirmed and twisted, their bodies moving in unnatural synchrony, like snakes coiling around each other, lost in their own world of primal instinct.I swallowed hard, my throat dry as I tried to steady my breath. The scene before me felt wrong, unsettling. It was as if I had stumbled into a place where the boundaries of human decency and cruelty had long since dissolved. The air here was thick with the scent of lust and danger, and the silence between the movements of the bodies felt more suffocating than anything I had ever known.I stood frozen at the door, my body trembling, my mind spinning. This was not just a place of pleasure. No, this was something much darker—a reflection of the palace's soul, its cruelty and depravity on full display.The marble pillars around the courtyard were engraved with intricate patterns that shimmered in the soft sunlight, their beauty captivating despite the overwhelming presence of naked bodies around me. The contrast between the elegance of the surroundings and the debasing display of exposed flesh was unsettling, but still, there was something mesmerizing about the place. The marble, the tree in the center, the sunlight filtering through the open roof—it was all so beautiful, yet the atmosphere was stained by the presence of the people within it.I had never seen so much nakedness in my life, not in such a raw, unapologetic form. But, despite everything, it wasn't as horrible as Thika had painted it to be. It was disturbing, certainly, but not quite as monstrous. Perhaps I was starting to grow numb to the horror.I walked up to a woman standing by one of the pillars, her silk dress barely clinging to her body, leaving little to the imagination. The dress shimmered under the light, a delicate shade of pale lavender. She was leaning against the pillar, her eyes half-lidded as she looked around lazily."I'm new here. Do you know where I can keep my things?" I asked, my voice tentative.She glanced down at me, eyes briefly scanning my rough, dirty clothes before a condescending smile spread across her lips. "Another one from the slave quarters. You women are desperate to transfer here, aren't you?""Sorry?" I asked, not sure I understood her completely at first. But I knew exactly what she meant—she thought I was eager to join the ranks of the Kaambh.I understood Ashubol just fine now, but my response was more out of spite than confusion. Women might be desperate to get here, but I wasn't one of them. I had no desire to be part of this place, this life. I swallowed back the sharp retort that threatened to escape my lips.Without even acknowledging me further, she turned on her heel and walked away, her movements fluid, as though she was used to having people at her feet. I tried talking to a few others, but each time, I was met with the same indifferent treatment. It didn't take long before I realized that no one here wanted to help me, nor did they seem to care that I existed.By the end of the day, feeling utterly out of place and exhausted, I found a quiet corner of the courtyard. I sat there, surrounded by the scattered belongings of other newcomers and the restless energy of the others. My clothes were still a mess, a far cry from the sleek silks they wore. I felt invisible, like a speck of dust in a room full of people who were far more important than I could ever be.The men continued to come and go—hopping from one woman to another. Some merely watched, others participated in ways I didn't want to witness. The chaos was almost constant, a never-ending cycle of bodies intertwining, laughing, and leaving again. It was like a twisted form of entertainment for those who had the privilege of not having to work for their survival.My eyes caught sight of a door across the courtyard, leading to a dark corridor. Women would disappear inside, only to emerge later, some with flushed faces, others looking distracted. I had to know what was behind that door.I left my things in the corner and quietly approached the entrance. It led to a narrow corridor lined with rows of rooms on both sides. I couldn't resist peeking into one of the rooms, my curiosity gnawing at me. Inside, I saw a large, comfortable-looking bed, a lavish dressing table with ornate mirrors, and a bathroom stocked with everything I had been deprived of for months. The room looked like something out of a luxury hotel, a far cry from the crude conditions in the slave quarters.Before I could step any further, I was greeted by the sound of a woman's angry voice. "What?" she yelled, catching sight of me standing in the doorway. She was wrapped in a towel, wiping herself down hastily, and before I could apologize or explain myself, she slammed the door in my face.I stumbled back, feeling embarrassed. The woman had seemed unbothered, but I was still trying to process everything around me. The rooms seemed to fit Thika's description—luxurious, private, and clearly far removed from the grime I had lived in for so long.I turned around to gather my things, only to find that my spot was empty. Confused, I looked around, but there was no sign of my things anywhere."Who placed this trash here?" A voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding.I scurried toward the sound, my heart pounding. I turned the corner and saw a tall, striking woman standing over my belongings. She had a commanding presence about her—everything about her screamed power and authority. She was the only woman I had encountered in the palace who wasn't only beautiful but also carried herself with an undeniable grace. Her red dress was stunning—so vibrant it almost seemed to glow. The slit down the front left little to the imagination, exposing her long, flawless legs. She was a vision of perfection, the kind of woman who made you feel both intimidated and awed.I had to force myself not to gawk. She looked down at me, her eyes sharp and calculating, as if sizing me up. There was no mistaking the elegance she exuded—it was effortless, natural. Even the women in the royal family couldn't match her beauty."Is there a problem?" I asked, though I knew she wasn't exactly asking for my opinion.Her lips curled into a knowing smile, though her eyes remained cold. "You're the new one, aren't you?" she said, her voice dripping with authority. It wasn't a question—it was a statement.I didn't know how to respond. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Something about her, about the way she held herself, made me feel small and insignificant. Still, I didn't dare look away.I stumbled over my words as I approached the tall woman, the Ashubol language rolling off my tongue with more difficulty than I'd like to admit. My voice felt weak, unsure, as I spoke, but I had no choice."It's... uh... mine." I mumbled, my eyes cast downward, too intimidated to make eye contact.She looked down at me, her expression unreadable for a moment, before she tilted her head slightly to one side, as if appraising me like some strange creature."And who are you?" she asked, her tone cool, almost dismissive."My name is..." I hesitated, but before I could finish, she cut me off."Did I ask your name?" she snapped, her gaze narrowing. "What are you doing here? The cleaning doesn't start until dawn.""I was escorted..." I stammered, but she interrupted again, her voice sharp, cutting through the air like a blade."You and your goddamn guards. Go back to your Auri. I heard she got it good from the Raza. Who in her right mind would bring a human to the palace? I hope she gets taken in for judgement."My heart pounded at the mention of Auri's name, but I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay steady as I uttered words I never thought I'd say aloud."I am that human."She paused, her eyes flicking over me with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. Her posture shifted slightly, as if she was trying to make sense of what I had just said."Hm?" The woman raised a brow, clearly not catching my timid words."I am the human because of whom she got that lashing," I repeated, louder this time, my throat tight with the weight of what I was admitting.Her eyes widened in realization, and she stepped back, kicking my things away as if they were contaminated with something vile. "What in Shakti's name are you doing in Kaambh?"Before I could respond, another woman appeared, walking toward us with an exaggerated sway of her hips, clearly enjoying the drama unfolding."She was requested by Nizain," the new woman said with a knowing look, her voice dripping with implication."Nizain?" The tall woman's shock was palpable now. She glanced at the other woman, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. "Who told you?" she demanded."Didn't you read the notice you got an hour ago?" The second woman replied, her lips curling into a sinister smile, clearly enjoying the tension.The tall woman's expression shifted in a flash, her features contorting into a scowl that could have cut glass. As if something clicked in her mind, the realization dawning on her, she muttered a curse under her breath. "That bastard is doing this to get me.""Is he?" the second woman countered, a mocking tone creeping into her voice. "You should give up on him. This is the proof—he's moved on."The tall woman turned to face the other woman, her fury palpable. She reached out, grabbing the woman's face in her palm, her red nails digging into the softness of her cheek with an almost vicious force. "Remember who's in charge here," she hissed. "I hope you know what happened to the last woman who dared to talk to me like that."The woman under her grasp gritted her teeth, murmuring an inaudible apology, clearly terrified by the threat.The tall woman released her with a sharp shove before turning back to me, her demeanor suddenly shifting again. "My name is Meekh," she said, her voice cool but now with a hint of something almost welcoming, though it was still laced with authority. "And I am your supervisor. Welcome to Kaambh. Come with me."Without another word, she turned and glided down the corridor, her movement so fluid and confident that I almost couldn't keep up with her. The way she moved in those high heels was nothing short of mesmerizing—every step a display of grace and power.I followed her, my steps faltering slightly as I tried to keep pace. We walked along the long corridor, the silence between us growing more oppressive with each step. Eventually, we reached the far end, where Meekh stopped in front of a small door. She opened it without hesitation and ushered me inside.The room was much smaller than the one I had found earlier. Situated right under a stairwell, it felt cramped and far less luxurious. A single bed occupied the center of the room, with a small mirror on the wall and no dressing table. It was modest, but compared to the slave quarters I'd come from, it was a mansion. A bathroom was tucked away in the corner, and despite its simplicity, it felt like an oasis to me."The woman who stayed here before you also came from slave quarters," Meekh remarked casually, her voice almost indifferent as she stood in the doorway."Oh, where is she now?" I couldn't help but ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.Meekh gave a wicked little smile. "Dead." She winked, turning on her heel and walking out of the room without another word.The door clicked shut behind her, leaving me standing in the small, unfamiliar room, my mind racing with questions and fear.