Avery's POV
The scent of damp leaves and pine filled my nostrils, but it was tainted by something far more sinister—the metallic tang of blood and the sweat of the men surrounding me.
I gritted my teeth, trying my best to remain strong. "I'm not one of them," I told them.
But of course, they didn't listen.
"You had your chance, now shut up," the soldier growled, his voice dripping with malice. "Time for you to go."
My breath hitched as he pressed the dagger even harder against my skin. The sharp sting sliced through my senses, and I felt warm blood trickling down my neck. Tears flooded my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
"Or on second thought," the soldier mused, a wicked smile curling his lips, "we could have some fun first."
My stomach twisted violently.
Be
