---
The cage door hung open on its bent hinge. Heat pressed down from the canvas roof like a heavy hand. Flies skated on the blood that had dried on the posts from other tests done on other days. A thin rope went from the door to a stake so the door would not swing shut by mistake. It made a soft creak each time the hot wind tugged.
Mardek stood with one palm on the frame as if the whole camp belonged to that hand. The other hand reached in and held Miryam by the back of her neck.
Miryam kept her face still, the way Kai had taught her. Inside she was a storm. Her heart ran fast. Her breath was small. She did not like how his fingers felt. She did not like how the steel kissed her cheek and then moved away. She wanted to be brave like Papa said. She kept her mouth closed. She held the Friend tighter with one arm.
