*Dungeon, Night*

Lesley’s laughter echoed around the dungeon, wild and sharp enough to make the guards flinch. It was raw and feral, echoing through the chamber like a wolf’s howl turned into madness.

The silver chains binding her wrists glowed faintly where her blood and the witch magic had seared them.

“Hold the line!” Elder Mara barked, her voice rough with strain. She stood at the front, her palms pressed outward, runes of protection glowing faintly against the stone. Her shoulders ...