at the edge of the tribal plaza, ki

d trunk of an ancient tree, her chest

y were massive, muscular people wearing leather and

s Chief Silas Wainwright. He held a long staff made of

rom the totem pole be

a canvas of shredded flesh and deep, weeping lacerations. The thorny vine

, a female wearing a pristine white fox fur. She was th

enda shrieked, her voice shr

tic voice echoed in Kaylee's skull. "Sou

copper flooded her mouth. The physical pain acted like an anchor,

l from Boston. She had to be the m

shoulders, lifted her chin, and pulled every ounce of arrogant

to

piercing authority that it cut stra

crowd parted like the Red Sea. The Shifters lowered their eyes, their bod

ionary catalysts. But Kaylee was known

ng legs to walk smoothl

g across her face. "Kaylee! You're finally awake! We

Brenda a look of such absolute, freezing con

ed, replaced by a flas

rectly beneath Elijah, the metallic smell of his blood was overpowering. Sh

d back, locking ey

ice dripping with venom. "Who gave you

He injured you last night, Kaylee. By tribal law, a sla

ocking laugh. She crossed

r's property is solely the master's to

were confused. Why was the woman who beat

"Detonation paused. However, his vital signs ar

oser to the platform,

enough for the entire plaza to hear. "Letting him die a quick d

The suspicion vanished from Silas's eyes. This sadistic r

fore slowly lowering his bone staff. "If y

scled Shifter guards standing nearby. "C

g a crude iron blade,

o the earth, hitting the hard d

am, to check his pulse, but she forced herself to stand p

arms, dragging his bleeding body ac

lowed them, leaving t

e!" Brenda screamed from t

ck. She just kept wal

ing to her hut, the back of Kaylee's animal