The Bitter Mark

Kael

My eyes slowly open, my head pounding like war drums, and the bitter realization hits me—I am utterly tied up. Heavy restraints dig deep into my wrists, biting my skin, cold and unyielding metal.

I tug hard, muscles intensely straining, my wolf strength surging to the surface—but nothing truly happens. The bonds do not budge, as if they were forged from something much stronger than steel.

I try to yell, but my mouth is gagged, the rough cloth muffling my voice. I ...