The resulting noise made her look up, those eyes, now full of confusion, locked on me. Her small features fitted themselves with fear again.

“I swear, I wasn’t doing anything wrong—”

“What?”

“Aren’t you the new overseer? They said that this one would be the fiercest one yet.” Her voice was soft and timid, yet it sounded like that of a singer’s… and… so familiar…

“They? Who’s they?”

“My masters, of course.”

“Masters?”

“You sound like a child. I’m a slave, do I need to explain that one to you?”

“No need to be mean. And you’re one to talk about child.” I heard footsteps and immediately ran to the shadows. I watched from there as her gaze lowered again. A man in full boot camp officer glory was staring at her.

“Who were you talking to?” he questioned harshly. What an unpleasant voice! Poor thing, her ears must be killing her.

“No one, sir.” She lied oh so cleverly, in this monotone she’d switched to. But he refused to buy it.

“Kath – er – ine!” he blellowed.