Chapter Fifty—One

I could tell a week had passed since the death of my father and Alexander's declaration of revolution. A week had passed since I was chained down in the basement. A week had passed since I last saw Dhruv. A week had passed since I placed anything delectable into my stomach.

My throat remained parched, plaguing me with an insatiable thirst that made it feel like my lungs were set ablaze. It also brought about fatigue and rendered my limbs practically immobile. I laid motionless on the cold, hard floor, contemplating whether Dhruv intended to leave me to wither away in agonizing hunger, especially since I was aware of his plans for me. My stomach hurt as I stayed still, followed by a loud grumble and I felt my whole body shake as my pants began to dampen. I was on my period.

I inhaled deeply, hiccuping as I managed to sit up straight. My mind was hazy and I didn't have any tears left to cry. I tore a part of my gown and folded it before proceeding to use it as a sanitary towel to alle