Untouched

How long had it been since she had felt another's touch? A father's guidance? A mother's reassurance? A brother's love?

It had been twelve years.

Twelve long years since anyone in her family had touched her or let her touch them.

Born during an eclipse and gifted with 'the sight', Niamh had always been aware of her fate.

When she finally came of age, she would be given to the highest bidder regardless of age, position or nationality.

Long gone were the days of her Father classing her as his daughter. She was now cattle, stock to be traded and bartered with to secure a better future for him, her Mother and her two younger brothers.

Her life would never be the same again.