'S P

gh if I had the energy. And the courage. Or maybe Kae

and if I don't try something soon, I might lie down in the mud and let Kael stomp me into it. Besides, if I

ds, dodge the hounds, scale a twelve-foot wall, and sneak into the forest before anyone notices. See? Easy. Pra

m's so close I can taste it-like a phantom hint of clean a

t is out, just enough to illuminate my prison: rows of hollow-eyed, hunched-over souls who've l

are lounging around, barely awake, with half-closed eyes, they're still a threat. The guard by the gate raises his head, glancing over at me with his blank, soul-dead star

rt was beating fast now like it was trying to break free from my chest. I can feel swea

doing

ch of mud trying to hold me down like Kael sen

heard a

able bark of

empt without the horror of some oversized, muscl

light blinds me, and I freeze. It's one of the guards, and he's got that look-the one that

nk you're going,

t I should go for a nice eveni

en bite, but he's built like a wall, and my efforts only make him laugh. Soon, he hauls me into

excitedly. "Trying to

se* he's enjoying this. Kael lives for moments like these when he gets

ght you'd be smarter than this. Trying to escape... now that's

, a boot slams into my side. Pain explodes in my ribs, sharp and searing, and

, who drag me up by my arms, holding me still while

your debt?" His voice is low, mocking, each word a tiny, precise

Seeing it sends me a fresh wave of dread, but I set my jaw, forcing myse

bite down on my lip, tasting blood, and force myself not to scream. Each strike is worse than the last,

en doll. My body's screaming in pain, every nerve frayed and burning, but I ho

in and forcing me to look at him.

t but cold as death. "You're mine. No amount of d

. They throw me in, slamming the door shut behind them, leaving me alone in the pitch-black. "Who knows wha