Kael POV
Pain dragged me back to consciousness, sharp and relentless.
Every breath feeling like broken glass in my lungs.
I opened my eyes to darkness and the familiar stench of blood and rot that filled the dungeons.
"You're awake," Eldric's voice came from somewhere beyond the bars, cold and furious.
"Good, I want you conscious when they come for you."
I tried to move but my body screamed in protest.
They'd beaten me worse this time, much worse.
I could feel broken ribs grinding together, taste blood pooling in my mouth.
My left eye was swollen shut and my hands were still chained above my head.
"She escaped," I managed to say, the words coming out thick and slurred.
"Elara got away from you."
"For now," Eldric stepped closer, his face coming into view through the bars.
"B
