The next morning came too soon.
Sunlight cut through the narrow slits again. Harsh. Bright. My body felt like it had been run over. Every muscle ached. My hole throbbed with a deep, constant burn. Swollen. Sensitive.
The skin around my wrists and ankles showed faint red marks from the straps. Bruises bloomed on my thighs where fingers had gripped too hard.
I woke alone on the furs.
The alphas were gone.
For one foolish second, hope flared. Maybe they had left. Maybe I could run.
Then the door opened.
Thorne entered first.
He carried a tray. Bread. Fruit. Water. Simple food. He set it on a low table near the hearth.
Aurelius followed, shirtless. His golden hair hung loose around his shoulders. A smirk already curved his lips.
Cassian came last. Quiet. His eyes locked on me the mom
