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It's been months since Ariel had come to live in the Thomas residence.
Since then, Felicia and her second daughter, Melanie, had made life a living hell for her—turning her into nothing short of a house slave, treating her with cruelty that seemed to have no limit.
The only light in Ariel's dark days was Elizabeth. She had stood by her side, protecting her whenever Uncle Thomas was away at work.
"Elizabeth will soon go back to school," Felicia spat with venom, "and you'll be left all alone with us. Then I'll see who dares defend you in this house, you evil witch."
Ariel's heart sank. Felicia's words were sharp, incomprehensible in their cruelty. She couldn't understand why her uncle's wife hated her so much—why she called her a witch.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing sitting there? Don't you have work to do?" Melanie barked, her tone dripping with contempt.
"I… I'm done with my work," Ariel stammered, shrinking back.
"And what about the rest? Who's going to finish it for you?" Melanie snapped.
"I… I thought… it was your job?" Ariel whispered fearfully.
"Shut your mouth, you worthless brat!" Felicia roared, her voice slicing through the air. "Listen carefully, girl—you are meant to do everything in this house. Don't you understand? You are nothing but a slave here!"
"Mom!" Elizabeth's voice rang out as she descended the stairs, her face flushed with anger.
"Why, Mother? Why are you treating her like this? It's unfair!" Elizabeth shouted, turning to glare at Melanie. "And what gives you the right to speak to her this way?"
"Why shouldn't I?" Felicia snapped. "She's our slave, after all—"
"She's no slave, Mother!" Elizabeth interrupted sharply. "She's my cousin."
Tears welled in Ariel's eyes as she watched Elizabeth defend her. Felicia chuckled, dark and cruel.
"Cousin? A fake cousin," she sneered. "You think she'd even be here if her mother were alive? No. She doesn't belong here."
"Mom, please," Elizabeth pleaded, stunned by her mother's cruelty. "Why can't you accept her and treat her like family?"
Felicia turned her back, speaking coldly over her shoulder. "Elizabeth, listen carefully. I will never accept someone who doesn't even deserve to be my slave. I am your mother. Whatever I say goes. You have no right to talk back. And defending her? That won't save either of you in this house. Now, shut up and leave my sight."
Then her eyes snapped to Ariel. "And you… you've caused enough trouble. My daughter turned against me because of you, bastard. Go finish your work. Now!"
Ariel fled the room like a bird escaping a predator. She picked up a broom, her hands trembling, and whispered to Elizabeth, "Don't talk to your mother that way… it's dangerous. She might curse you. Thank you for defending me, though."
Elizabeth's chest heaved. "It hurts seeing you treated like this, Ariel. I can't just watch."
"I know," Ariel said softly, forcing a smile. "But I'm fine. You've done enough for me already. Living under your roof, eating your food… I owe you my gratitude. Let me repay that by doing the work. It's no big deal." She bent to sweep the floor, brushing the hair from her face. "I know it's hard seeing me treated badly… but… it's part of the training."
Elizabeth's eyes shimmered with admiration. "I wish Mother could see how kind you are."
Ariel's lips curved into a faint smile. "Thank you, Elizabeth. That means a lot."
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A week later, Ariel had learned to navigate Felicia and Melanie's traps, finishing her chores with Elizabeth's quiet support. Felicia had begun treating Elizabeth poorly for showing kindness to Ariel, but Elizabeth didn't care—she followed her heart.
One cool afternoon, Ariel and Elizabeth sat under the apple tree in the garden. Ariel's nose was buried in her novel while Elizabeth studied diligently. Then Melanie stormed in.
"It seems you're deaf! Didn't you hear my mother calling?" she yelled.
"Why do you have so little respect, Melanie?" Elizabeth shot back, eyes blazing.
"It's okay, Elizabeth," Ariel said softly, standing. "I didn't hear her. Let's go." She walked off with Melanie trailing behind, Elizabeth following.
Felicia's voice cut through sharply. "I called her, not you, Elizabeth!" She turned her cold gaze to Ariel. "And you… can't you see this house is a mess? What will my husband eat if he returns today?"
Uncle Thomas? Ariel's face lit up.
"Listen closely," Felicia hissed, her words like ice. "Don't think my husband being home will save you. You better prepare for the worst, witch."
Elizabeth's excitement bubbled over. "Father's coming back today? That's amazing!"
Ariel smiled faintly. Inside, a spark of hope flickered. Maybe, just maybe, things were about to change.