~ CAIN ~

I’m still pacing in circles, torn between rage and hopelessness, when a shadow slides over my cage. It creeps across the metal floor like long, bony fingers, curling around the thick silver bars.

Then the smell hits me—sweet like roses, but sharp with the tang of blood. My muscles coil as I shift my weight forward, readying myself to spring at the man outside, even though I know I’ll never reach him.

Zarek Noctis crouches down, tilting ...