Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The morning sunlight filtered through the forest, a gentle spring breeze brushing past. Birds chirped on the branches above, and small unknown wildflowers dotted the ground beneath the trees.

Under different circumstances, Ivy might have paused to admire the beauty of her surroundings, but now she was too battered and worn-out to care. All she wanted was to find shelter, rest, and tend to her wounds.

Exhaustion weighed heavily on her body. Her stomach growled, and her entire being ached for a warm place to sleep. But she knew she couldn't afford to rest-not yet. Falling asleep in her current state might mean never waking up again.

Dragging her weary body through the forest, Ivy pressed on. Luck seemed to favor her as she stumbled upon a clear stream. She bent over it and caught a glimpse of her reflection in the water. The sight startled even her-a face battered and bruised, barely recognizable.

Hurriedly, she washed the blood off her face with the cold, refreshing water. The wound on her forehead had already scabbed over, and though it still hurt, the splash of water brought a fleeting sense of relief. Cupping her hands, she drank deeply from the stream.

Under normal circumstances, she might have hesitated, worrying about whether the water was clean or if it might make her sick. But now, survival trumped all other concerns. She simply wanted to live-to live well.

Rejuvenated slightly, Ivy continued walking. She had no idea which mountain range she had been brought to by those despicable men. Last night, she had jumped out of their vehicle, knowing it was heading deeper into the wilderness. If she hadn't escaped, she might never have found her way out.

Hours passed before Ivy saw smoke rising in the distance. Relief flickered in her heart, but she quickly swallowed it-she couldn't afford to let her guard down.

This place might not be any safer than where she'd just escaped. The memory of betrayal was fresh in her mind, and she had vowed never to trust strangers so easily again.

She studied the house ahead. It was nothing extravagant, just an ordinary brick-and- tile home with a rural charm and regional characteristics.

"Who are you? Why are you sneaking around my backyard?"

The sudden voice startled her. Ivy spun around, her heart racing like a frightened bird. Standing before her was an elderly woman. Despite the woman's frail appearance, Ivy remained cautious.

passing through, ma'am. I'll leave right away," Ivy replied, her voice trembling. "Young lady, what happened

fell down the mountain," Ivy said hesitantly. "Ma'am, could you tell me where I am?" She carefully observed the old woman, feeling a faint sense of reassurance. Something about her

in their face. Ivy thought back to Hale, whose shifty eyes and deceitful demeanor had led her astray. If

clean clothes.

mountain? You're lucky to be alive. Where is your

me off as a bride in some remote area. I barely managed to escape, but I fell during the process," Ivy admitted, her voice steady but

woman cursed in her local dialect, her outrage

have anything to eat? I'm starving," Ivy asked hesitantly. The woman's indignation seemed sincere, and Ivy felt a

loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Poor child, come inside," the old woman said, her compassion evident. She led Ivy into the yard, which was simple but cozy. A few

lay lazily by the door, basking in the sun, while a white cat stretched luxuriously in a bamboo basket

sailing for so long, but in recent times, chaos had taken over.

previous night. If not for her quick thinking, she might already have been sold off.

was a gift, she realized. Money, status-none

here alone?" Ivy asked, glancing at the humble home. It was clear

passed away two years ago. My children moved to the city for work and have settled down there. They rarely come

they don't visit, why don't you go live with them? It must be

and every outing requires an elevator or a car. I was always scared of getting lost. My children were

age, I'll soon return to the earth. I

Ivy of Genevieve. She had never known her grandparents, but Genevieve often spoke fondly of her late grandmother's cooking. Perhaps what Genevieve longed

happy,

boil some water so you can