“That was different," I said to the group.

It still tasted medicinal, but it was not the same. This liquid was slightly sweet and less bitter. Terror struck me, what if someone had tampered with the drink?

"Damien," I said and he Looked up at me with haunted eyes, "that wasn't what I usually take. It was different. You have to get me the right drink and find out what happened."

"It is a health drink," he said slowly. "It is different now." No one else spoke and Damien did not continue. I mumbled apologies for interrupting breakfast and looked back down at my plate.

Christof spoke next, "We were told it would help build your blood and keep you strong," he informed me.

My eyes were curious, but I held back the questions. The tension was rising in the room. Whatever was bothering them seemed to be coming to a head.

“Hannah is strong," Bane said out of the blue.

“She is a very good fighter."

“Her curiosity," Kein added, "has allowed her to learn about the world quickly. She is an asset to the women. Hannah will be powerful, like Damien's other daughter."

My excitement peaked and I spoke, "You saw Hannah? Did Nu-reeh say I could see her?”

“We did not see her," Damien said staring at me. "You may see her when you have done what the women wish you to do." “What...?" I asked Looking around.

What could the women possibly want me to do? I was a slave to their men. And why was Hannah suddenly a topic of conversation?

No one spoke, but I could see the rapid display of emotions on their faces. Damien rose and stood staring at a wall for a moment. Evan and Bane both looked pointedly at Christof.

I knew suddenly what they wanted. My family knew how I had hated to give Hannah up. It would have killed them to tell me I had to do it again, so they couldn't bring themselves to say it.

The women wanted another Hannah, they would breed me.

Breakfast rushed into my throat and I bolted for the bathroom. Everything I had just eaten came right back up. Kneeling on the bathroom floor, I panted and cried.

“I won't do it," I kept repeating.

The men wiped my face and I slapped at their hands while scooting back from them on my knees.

"I won't do it," I said louder. "You cannot make me. I gave away my firstborn, never again..."

I stood and kept retreating for two steps. Literally and figuratively I found myself in a corner.

“You must," Christof said quietly. "It is what they want from you, from us."