I lay there, my body bruised and broken on the cold ground, lifeless to the outside world.
My hair, once long and full, now charred and singed, hung in clumps over my face. Scars marred my scalp, evidence of the torture I had endured.
My face was swollen, unrecognizable, a grotesque mask of pain. Blood flowed from the place where my tongue had been severed, creating a horrific sight. I was disfigured—my once beautiful features now barely visible beneath the devastation.
Rowan stood over me, his eyes cold and distant. He didn’t recognize me—not that I expected him to. His expression was one of disgust, like he had stumbled upon something unspeakably vile.
He looked at me for a brief moment before turning his attention back to Maria, his voice a smooth, commanding growl.
"You ta
