SOLANA
I blinked slowly, the sting in my wrists sharpening as sensation crept back into my limbs. Rough rope bit into my skin. My hands were tied behind me, my ankles bound tight. Whoever had dragged me here hadn't bothered with comfort. Not that I expected it. Still, they had been foolish enough to underestimate the possibility that an ordinary rope couldn't keep me bound. The place reeked of incense and blood.
I knew this place. It was Elric's sacred basement.
Being back here—back in his territory—filled me with a familiar, ugly disgust. But it didn't come with fear anymore. I was done cowering.
Footsteps echoed from outside the door. Then the door creaked open.
"Well," Elric drawled, his voice dripping with amusement, "would you look at that?”
I didn't lift my head.
"My little mu
