fiery red hair, once a wild tangle, now hangs in dull, matted locks, a reflection of her lost spirit. Her amber eyes, once bright and full of life, now d

ckles, now displayed a latticework of faded scars, a topography of her suffering. Her gaze, once direct and proud, now cast downward, a habit

he cold stone floor. The stench of mold and decay fil

oice sneered, his b

rt racing. She knew better than to de

ed insect. "You are lucky Alpha Jasper has use for you," he spa

g like a cauldron. She knew the consequences of speakin

the pack's stronghold, Athena's thoughts turned to

, a servant to the whims of

ed her to the Alpha's throne room. The stench of mold and decay cl

The air reeked of smoke and sweat, the scent of submission and fear. Sh

rowled, his hand

eyes never left Alpha Jasper's face. His gaze crawled

dripped with malice, "I hear

words laced with defiance. "I d

craping against her nerves. "Survival is f

ire, but she kept her tone even. "

rm, his grip like a vice. "You d

r wavered. "I spea

ith venom. "We will see how long your truth

chamber. The air grew thick with the stench of blood and s

sh, its leather strips worn and stained. Her stomach

y," Brody sneered, his

to flinch. With each lash, she felt her

k," she whispered,

alling harder, faster. Athena's back bur

ped. Brody's chest heaved,

will rise again," she whispered,

. A spark of recognition flared i

thought. He kno

lash loosening. For a moment, Athena sa

he turned away. "Take her b

felt a sense of triumph. She had shown

ughts turned to escape. She knew it would

and possibilities. And then, she heard it -

ached the sound. She saw a small, alm

in faint letters: "H

. She was not alone. There wer

Athena began to dig, her fing

ape. She woul

her mind, flashbacks to a lif

her mother, Elara,

aws barely touching the ground. "Mama, wai

fter her, his eyes shining

na into a warm e

pack, her family. The trauma of their loss

n came, their soldiers and guns

ing?" Athena cried, c

e one," Elara whispere

The soldiers closed i

ging with tears. She had lost everythi

termination reignited. She would escape, she would fight

e whispered, her voice

utside her cell. She quickly erased the evidence of her diggin

food. Athena's eyes widened as she saw a familiar face - Al

here?" Athena whispered, tr

etting the tray down. "I heard you were

ra's. "What is happening? Is

is talk of an uprising. But we need to be

An uprising could be

aught her arm. "Wait - what about

o wrote it, but I think it is from the resistance.

We have to keep fighting,

t of the cell, leaving Athena w