Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Sanctuary characters.

Chapter 14

The hard rattle of the truck turning off woke Lilith. Her face hurt, especially her right eye which was completely swollen shut. Her body throbbed and ached, and she felt sick to her stomach. She would probably end up vomiting again. She didn't want that but nothing was going right for her this night.

She turned her head and saw they were back at the circus. Fear welled up and she tried to tamp it down. She twitched when Haddock got out and slammed his door. She lost sight of him when he went behind the truck. She tried to sit up straight but that caused pain.

Her door was abruptly jerked open and her master dragged her out of the truck. Pinpricks of pain shot up her legs and she yelped. That noise earned her a vicious pinch to the ribs, pulling a whimper from her mouth. Haddock glared at her and she didn't make any louder noises. His ever tightening grip on her arm would definitely bruise her later. She didn't resist as her Master dragged her inside the safety of the circus barrier.

"What the hell are you two doing here?" snapped Haddock.

Lilith stared in surprise at the two women blocking their path. Mama Buntah stood, a frown on her face. Beside her was Gabriella, the head cook. That was an odd pair indeed. The two women rarely interacted with each other.

"We are here to demand that you allow Lilith to eat," stated Mama Buntah.

Haddock's disbelieving snort worried Lilith. His eyes were filling with malice. He would punish her for the other woman's attempt at helping. Inside, she groaned in horror. She didn't think she would survive this night. Master might actually kill her at this rate.

"Listen, Crone, I don't give a damn what you want. Disobedience is not rewarded."

"Lord Haddock," Gabriella began and stepped in front of Mama Buntah. "What we are asking is that she be given permission to have food. Many of those here are upset at the unhealthy state she is in. I know that you rule here, but the number who are voicing their complaints is high. No one wishes to interfere but Lilith's health is becoming a distraction to the performers."

Haddock glared at both women before studying Gabriella for a long moment. Gabriella stood, her head slightly bowed and waited for his response.

With a grunt, he shoved Lilith into Mama Buntah's waiting arms. Lilith froze in shock and stayed that way as she listened to her Master's growled order.

"She can have one meal. One, only. Once she finishes, return her to out tent. If I have to come fetch her, heads will roll."

"Yes, Lord Haddock, I understand. She will be returned in a timely fashion," agreed Gabriella.

Mama Buntah and Gabriella hurried Lilith away from Haddock and to the main dining tent. They got her inside and sat her down.

"Let me see your face, child."

Lilith pulled away when Mama Buntah went to touch her face. She dropped her head, her hair falling forward to cover her eye.

"No hiding, young lady."

Lilith couldn't dodge Mama Buntah's hand which was suddenly cupping her chin in a firm grip, forcing her head up.

"Please, don't," she whispered.

"He beat ya, didn't he? I can see bruises. You also have them around your throat. If he choked you, you'll not be able to sing properly," muttered Mama Buntah.

She had thought the same thing but, at that time, her master had been more intent on her inhaling the souls than he was on any damage she might be taking from his actions.

"I'm alright."

"You are not alright, Lilith," snapped Gabriella. She joined them at the table and placed a huge plate of food in front of Lilith. "You will eat, and you will tell us what Haddock had you do."

Lilith frantically shook her head no and scooted back, preparing to stand and flee. Answering their questions would only lead to misery for her for Haddock would surely find out.

"Sit."

Her legs buckled and she plopped back down in her seat. Sweat dotted her skin, her good eye wide. Both women were glowing. The order had come from Gabriella. Lilith didn't know much about the head cook other than the cheery smile the older woman always wore. She was as much of a mystery as Mama Buntah was.

"Now eat. You don't have much time left."

Lilith hesitated for only a second before digging into the food, shoveling into her mouth. Tears of happiness fell down her face at finally being able to eat. It tasted so good. She didn't stop to savor it. She knew she didn't have time to do that. It didn't take her long to finish and she mournfully looked at the empty plate.

"Now that ya have finished, where did he take ya tonight?"

Lilith stiffened and clutched at the table edge. She didn't dare give voice to her master's doings.

"Ya will answer, girl," drawled Mama Buntah.

Lilith felt the hairs on her body stand up and then, against her will, she started talking. She told it all – the beating in the forest, the trip to the hospital and about the souls.

"Damn him!" snarled Gabriella. She scooped up the plate, put another in front of Lilith and stormed off to the kitchen.

"Eat."

"But Master said...,"

"I don't care what he said. Ya will eat. Ya're skin and bones, child."

Obedience warred with hunger. Hunger won and Lilith devoured the second helping of food. She took time to savor the taste. She didn't know when she would next have a chance at a meal.

She had taken her last bite when John entered the tent. She knew her time was up then. She rose, hugged Mama Buntah and Gabriella and meekly followed John from the dining hall.