Raised in a society that treats women like cattle, Xenobia does her best to fly under the radar and not bring attention to herself. She obeys the rules, and she doesn’t get attached to people – until Urd. After a man with extreme sadistic tendencies buys her and her best friend Urd, Xen lays awake at night planning their escape. When Urd overhears their Master’s ultimate plan for them, even though they aren’t prepared, the girls have no choice but to run, hoping to find the underground movement and get to safety. While on the run for their lives, Xen learns that the price of rebellion is steep. *This short story takes place before the first House Valdis novel – The Rise of House Valdis.