nd pine filling the crisp night air. My wrists were raw from the shackles biting into my skin, my dress torn an

g, my mind too numb to process the nightmare I was living. The men who had taken m

mplete despair was the unknown fa

spers about him

oaked in h

d by all who

er been denied an

.. he de

made my st

rked out orders. Chains clanked as the guards unlocked the door

ov

ue to hold ba

y breath hitched at

ckthorn

rches flickered in iron sconces, casting eerie shadows across the grand entrance. The heavy wooden doors sto

pounded v

ed straight into th

against the cold stone floor as I was led through the entrance and dow

before a massive s

guards push

here

lpha

fire crackled behind him, casting golden hues across his chiseled features. He was

yes that sent a

ld. Unfo

e, stripping me bare

yself to stay still as the

e, bowing deeply. "The girl ha

tretched

catching the light. His fingers tapped against the arm of

ave

nd before obeying, their boots click

ehind them with

there wa

d

s throne, each step he took exuding an effortle

he came to a stop before me. He was even mor

mused, his voice deep, smooth, yet la

teeth. "I h

usement ghosted

" His tone w

My breath hitched as he reached out, the back of his

hed. He

o something that wa

fea

't a qu

ing into my palms as I forced myse

irk de

red. "Hate will

my chin up, forcing

dropping lower, the promise of something unch

ough my veins, co

been

een del

elonged to t