-----------------‐----------------------------------------- A couple months earlier:      Laurel tried to keep from crying out in pain. Her master had taught her a lesson, as he put it; but if it was a lesson, why wasn’t she learning? Why was she still stumbling and messing up? She could still feel the sting of the switch that found its mark on her back and head, the fist that had rammed into her head, stomach, and back, and the extremely powerful feet that had crushed her hands and arms.      She pushed herself to her feet and pressed her bruised hands to the wall, steadying herself. Her head swam and she felt like throwing up. She could hear the whisperings of other slaves as they tried to busy themselves with some sort of work and avoid trouble. Slowly raising her hands, she touched her head. She winced. Bringing down her hands, she saw blood mixed with her fur. Inhaling shakily, Laurel slowly reached into her pocket and fished around for a handkerchief to tie around her head, but she found nothing. Tears burned her eyes as she slowly turned and tried to focus on something steady. She saw a face. Oh no…      That face. So tall and handsome, and… one of the commandment. Dylan. His uniform of solid black seemed to fill her vision. The bright red of his prey mark kept drawing her eyes up to his face. His eyes were brighter still, blue and piercing. His fur was combed and in place, his ears tall and proud. His face… full of scorn and worry. His mouth moved. What was he saying? Her name?      “Laurel!” His voice sounded like a faint whisper as sounds echoed and swirled in her ears. No! Don’t pass out here, with him… he’s a stuck up betrayer… don’t-      Her protests were unheard as she collapsed, darkness taking over her senses and mind.        Laurel could see Morbin's palace drifting away. It was a dream. A dream she always had. Even at night when all felt relatively safe. She always found herself flying away from her slaver's cruel abode, soaring over forests of deep green. The sky blue, but then turning to ashy grey. Fire. Fire and smoke filling her eyes, her voice lost in the wind. Then, falling. Falling and nothing to grasp. Tiny needles pricking her arms and face, tearing at her dress and prey mark. Then, nothing. Nothing but her own rattled, hollowed breathing.      Alone.      Laurel groaned as she felt someone press something to her head. She tried to lift her hand to push it away, but her limbs and joints felt like lead. Her head burned and the rest of her being throbbed painfully. She tried to open her eyes and slowly, they gave in to her commands. She found herself in her room. She knew it had to be. Those drab, tattered curtains covering the dirty window, the tan colored roof, the thin blanket covering her.      The outside of her vision was blurred,  hence she couldn’t see who was in the room. She tried to turn her head but a searing pain erupted from the side of her head. She was going to lever herself up and look around when she felt hands. Gentle hands. “Hush, don’t move!” A sweet voice assured. Mother. Laurel could see her now that she leaned over her. Her mothers eyes were filled with worry and relief. Fern gently touched her daughters face and hummed a tune, soothing both her soul and her pains.      Licking her dry lips, Laurel whispered, “how did I get here?” Fern frowned slightly. “One of the commandments lieutenants brought you home. He didn’t give a name or anything, just said that you would be excused from duties for a day.” Laurel nodded and soon regretted doing so. She winced and squinted her eyes, trying to stop the beating pain in her head. Fern tucked the blanket closer around her daughter before turned to pick up a bowl. Laurel didn’t have to ask what it was. She could smell it. Her stomach began to twist. “No-" she groaned, turned slightly away from her mother’s efforts.      Fern bit her lip as tears stood out in the corner of her eyes. “Laurel, you need to eat something. It will help you feel better,” she promised, but Laurel felt like she would be sick. “Mom, I can't- I feel…” she couldn’t go on as tears rolled down her face. Fern tried to control her emotions as a strangled sob escaped her mouth. “Okay, honey… just hold on, you’ll be fine.” Laurel coughed and winced as a ringing noise filled her ears. I just want relief… she sobbed inwardly as she passed out of consciousness.