The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband-Chapter 323: A flicker of hope

It was raining heavily, and Camilla was busy polishing the store items. She hated it when she had to look after the store but there was no one else to do it since her brother was out of town and her parents were busy.

The doorbell rang, drawing her attention to the door. "You can’t stay here if you don’t buy something. I don’t care if it’s raining outside." She snapped without glancing at the person at the door. She hated it when people came in to shield themselves from the rain.

"I guess I will have to pick something then." She heard a rich masculine voice say, her hands froze. She was dusting a china set.

Camilla turned around, finally looking at the newcomer. Some called it love at first sight, but she called it magic. He stood by the door, drenched in water down to his shoes, with a carefree smile.

"I guess you can stay then," she blurted, "you are not from here. are you?" She asked him. His brown eyes sparkled once they met her emerald orbs, his smile widening.

"I live a quarter-day away. The name is Richard Bricks." He replied.

"Just call me Camilla." She answered. Everything started to fade away. It was the first day she met the rich merchant Richard Bricks, the man who soon became her husband.

"Camilla,"

"Camilla,"

Her eyes shot open, her breath slow. "I am glad you are still alive" she heard someone gush. Camilla stirred awake, taking a while to process everything. One of the girls was kneeling by her side, a green glow leaving her palms.

"I am still alive ", Camila mumbled; she thought she was gone for good and her cursed life was over. "Of course you are." Camilla tried to move but ended up coughing a mouth full of blood

The girl forced her back on the floor. "Try not to move too much. You have a lot of internal injuries. Luckily, I learnt a bit of healing spells from my grandfather that should keep you alive." The girl answered.

Abrielle, seeing that Camilla was back, moved back from the bars to sit on the floor. She was scared they had lost another person but luck was with them that Camilla shared the cell with a healer.

Everything was in place now, "it’s time we all try something suicidal." The princess said, but no one spoke a word again, understanding her. They were all in their thoughts. This was going to be a crazy stunt, but it was their only chance.

Camilla lay face up, her eyes on the dark ceiling. "Even if I leave here, where will I go?"

"Maybe you can come with me to Vitalis. My grandparents run a large medical supplies store there. I was on my way to Vitalis when our carriage was attacked. They killed all the servants, took all our money then took me." The healer said it wasn’t surprising that she came from a well-to-do background. With her high healing abilities Abrielle had already guessed it.

"I have never been to the capital before. I think I will accept your offer" A small smile hung on her lips, and her eyes closed again.

******

The bells rang waking everyone from sleep. Abrielle stirred awake, her long lashes slowly fluttering. It wasn’t morning yet. What did they want from them now?

"Good morning my fine ladies. It’s time you end your beauty sleep." Penny’s pitchy voice rang throughout the cellar. The sun wasn’t up yet.

"Oh, come on, stop being lazy. The day has arrived. We need to get you clean and fed before the party starts." She added Abrielle’s eyes went wide. It was finally the day of the Culling hunt.

The metal bars creaked as they were pushed open, the girls filing out into a simple queue. Abigail was by Abrielle’s side. The little girl had grown fond of the Villainess they were practically inseparable at this point.

"Up we go, I know you are sick of here. Don’t worry; today, you will have enough fresh air." Penny giggled, she was super excited by the fact that the girls were going to be hunted like animals.

Abigail was in front of Abrielle as they walked out, her hands on the girl’s shoulders. She was nervous she subconsciously gripped Abigail’s shoulder. Today was the day she either escaped or died for good this time around.

Someone shoved Abrielle, making her fall to the ground. "Move your lazy feet." Jake’s voice boomed. He was still offended by Abrielle’s little stunt. Camilla, who has gotten better over the past 2 days, ran from the line to help Abrielle up.

"Stop being a bloody jerk because she refuses your advances." Camilla barked at Jake. Jake gritted his teeth, he wanted to hit Camilla.

"Stop Jake, today is a good day. We don’t want any of the girls getting injured." Penny sharp cut him off. He clicked his tongue then left broading.

Camilla helped Abrielle back to the line. "Thanks for helping." Abrielle chimed.

"It was nothing. We have to look out for each other." Camilla replied, today her eyes had a glint that has been there. Maybe it was because she finally sensed hope in a life she had already given up on.

"Move, I don’t have all day." Penny barked out commands.

They left the cellar and climbed the stairs leading to the ground floor. The sun was at the horizon slowly rising. It felt nice to see the sun again; Abrielle smiled, glancing through a window.

The girls were led through a large door; thick steam welcomed them with the dazzling smell of scented oils. "Alright time to get a proper bath. There is no need to be worried; no men will be around,, so get comfortable. This is a special treat." Penny said standing at the door as the girls entered.

"Having a warm bath is truly something I need right now." Camilla chimed

"You can say that again." Heather chirped in, she was already undressing. Although there were no men in the bathhouse, there were several handmaids. Abrielle was smart enough to know they were not just handmaid.

She pulled out her dress, folding it as she kept it in the same place the others kept theirs. Her skin was filled with so many scars and bruises she almost couldn’t recognize her body.

.