Chapter 8Alec awoke slowly, becoming increasingly aware of pain. As he came to, he realized that he was still lying on the summit of Anchor Rock, but now he was tightly bound in a cloak; a heavy belt strapped around his middle, confining his arms and wings. The Cold Iron buckle incapacitated him; the fabric kept it from burning his skin, but its presence made it impossible for him to escape. Worse, he realized, he was bound; the iron around him would enslave his mind as well. He felt his will slipping away with each breath.
A human woman appeared by his side. He became aware of her presence and strained to recall how they had come together, who she was, how she managed to bind him. “Please,” he gurgled, fighting for consciousness.
The woman pointed a dagger at his throat. “I need some in
