Ember
The sound of the small alarm ringing wakes me from my pain-filled slumber. I carefully move my battered body, reaching for the alarm clock and shutting off the shrill sound. Taking a deep breath, I push myself into a sitting position, wincing with each movement. The pain has subsided with rest and the medicine that Chef Mia brought me, but I know I’m far from healed. Without proper rest and food, I will always carry bruises and scars.
“Happy birthday to me,” I mumble to myself, feeling sadness creep in. Today will be my last day in Snarling Lox. I just hope my task for the day will be close to the kitchen, where I can sneak some food before my escape tonight. I’ll be leaving with no money to my name, so I might as well leave with a belly full of food.
Knowing I have only twenty mi
