"Move!" the first guard barked. His voice cracked like a whip. "Both of you. Now."
Rough hands clamped around Belle's arms. She did not resist. Her body felt heavy and drained after the shouting and the choking. Calista stumbled beside her when another guard yanked her forward by the elbow. Calista's bare feet scraped against the cold marble floor. Fresh bruises darkened her ribs and her thighs.
They dragged them down the long corridor. Torches flickered along the walls, and shadows twisted over the stone. Maids pressed themselves into doorways with wide eyes and covered mouths. No one dared to speak.
"Keep walking," a guard growled when Belle slowed to catch her breath. He shoved her shoulder. Pain flared in her throat where Luciano's fingers had crushed her earlier.
Calista glanced back once. Her swollen lip trembled as she whispered, "Belle."
"Do not speak," the guard snapped. He twisted Calista's arm higher. She gasped but bit her lip to stay silent.
