Elise's POV

This very dungeon was different. It smelled like death and despair.

I tried not to gag as Drake led me down the stone steps, each one taking us deeper into the bowels of the palace. The walls were slick with moisture, and something that looked suspiciously like dried blood.

"Charming place you've got here," I muttered under my breath.

Drake glanced back at me with amusement. "Only the best accommodations for special guests."

Special guests. Right. That's what he called ...