*Saoirse*
I writhed against the cold metal restraints, the chill of the underground lab seeping into my bones. My skin felt raw where the cuffs rubbed. The stench of antiseptic mingled with the coppery scent of my blood.
Calder loomed over me, his eyes gleaming with a mix of madness and triumph as he filled another vial with the blood that flowed from my veins.
"Remarkable," he muttered to himself, his voice echoing off the sterile walls. "Your blood is infused with such potent magic. The dragon's gift…"
I could do nothing but glare at him with all the fierceness I possessed. My muscles ached from struggling. Fatigue nearly had me surrendering, but I refused to give this man the satisfaction.
"Imagine, girl," Calder said, turning his crazed gaze upon me, "an army at my command, not ju
