I couldn’t even fake calm.
My body trembled uncontrollably, despite the deceptively warm breeze whispering against my skin. Two members of what they called the Night Council whatever the hell that meant yanked the chain from my cuffs like I was some mangy mutt being led to its pen.
And honestly? The kennel comparison wasn’t far off.
The moment we crossed onto the castle grounds, they dragged me down a flight of cold stone steps that led to the dungeons. The air turned cruel then, its warmth giving way to a biting chill that wrapped around my bones and shook me to the core. Panic clawed at my throat until sobs broke loose, soaking my cheeks and collarbone in silent despair. Dread squeezed my insides tight, and I gulped down shallow breaths, tilting my chin upward as if I could keep mysel
