The ritual chamber felt smaller than I remembered.
Chains rattled as I backed away from Darius and his enforcers, my wrists raw from breaking free. The air was thick with old magic and the metallic scent of fear. Elias watched from the side with cold fascination, while Darius advanced, eyes burning with possessive rage.
“You will kneel here again,” he snarled. “Just like before. The council will see you submit.”
I lifted my chin, refusing to let my hands tremble. The awakened curse stirred inside me, steady now, no longer wild. I reached for the bonds — the golden-red threads connecting me to Ryker and the four rogue Alphas.
~Ryker… I’m here. The ritual chamber. They’re trying to bind me again. Come. All of you.~
I pushed the thought through the bond with everything I had, concentrati
