Chapter 15

"I pray for you Belladonna. May courage guild you, admist the darkness." -Peppers.

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Coraline shivered on the balcony, snowflakes slowly falling around her. A faint cry escaped her lips, her eyes welling up with tears. Years of planning, yet still trapped.

Belladonna's gaze narrowed, her expression a mix of frustration and empathy. She'd heard Coraline's sorrowful tales too many times and yet, the Young lady hasn't stood up for herself. The mask hiding her face she removed, revealing determined brown eyes.

"Coraline, listen!" Belladonna's voice commanded attention. "Don't let him treat you like a disposable rag. You're human, with a life worth fighting for."

Coraline's tears subsided, replaced by a glimmer of resolve.

"But I...can't leave," she stammered, wiping her cheeks.

"Why?" Belladonna pressed.

"As a Blood Slave, it's forbidden to leave without permission," Coraline whispered.