The Killian that had been hiding finally came out in full bloom.

The one who wielded a sword even against the Alpha …the Killian I had never experienced before.

He dismissed the guards and opened the cage. “You want to know how I treat my prisoners?” he mumbled, his voice thick and commanding.

He grabbed my hair and yanked me out roughly, throwing me hard onto the floor.

I didn’t understand what was happening, or how deeply I had angered him, until my body hit the ground with a heavy thud, the sound merging with the pulse of pain spreading through me.

A frightened scream tore from my lips; I didn’t even try to hold it back.

He bent down slowly to my level, his shadow swallowing mine. His hand shot out and gripped my wrist. “How about you push me off with your power?” he taunted, his voice low and cruel. His grip tightened until the blood stopped flowing to my palm.

My heartbeat tripled. I couldn’t fully grasp what was happening, only the fear that crawled through every inch of me.

“Just let me go,” I cried, pushing at his chest with my free hand. But to him, it must have felt like a baby’s touch, soft and useless.

He released my wrist only to seize my throat, dragging me up to my feet.

I couldn’t breathe. This beast must have forgotten I wasn’t a wolf.

I clawed at his arm, but his grip only grew tighter.

“Killian, please…let me go,” I choked out, tears streaming down my face, wetting my lashes.

My spluttering seemed to amuse him; it gave him the satisfaction he desired.

His lips curved into a victorious smile, his eyes glimmering with dark joy as he pulled me closer, his hand still firm around my neck.

He leaned in until I could feel his hot breath ghosting over my skin. He studied me for a moment before tilting his head toward my ear, whispering seductively, “You have no idea what you do to me.”

My stomach turned.

He brought my face even closer, his eyes flicking to my trembling lips. “You look even more alluring when you whisper in between tears,” he murmured.

Though his grip loosened, I was still breathless. My knees quivered, a cold shiver rippling down my spine.

What was this beast doing to me?

From the gleam in his eyes and the dangerous smile twisting his mouth, I knew he was going to do more than just strangle me.

“Oh God, I need help… Arlie!” I screamed silently inside my head as his hand traced the curve of my spine.

He was already digging into my defenses …into me.

There’s a myth that werewolves are lovers of both power and women. Maybe it wasn’t a myth after all.

“You’re so fragile,” he whispered, his fingers brushing the rope that tied my blouse.

That was the last straw.

I refused to give in without a fight. I pulled my head back and slammed it into his nose with every ounce of strength I had left.

A loud crack echoed.

He staggered back, groaning in pain, his hand flying to his face to check for blood.

“You’re so dead,” he snarled, his voice dripping venom as he lunged toward me, but a sudden knock on the door stopped him in his tracks.

We both froze. Silence filled the room, sharp and heavy.

The knock came again.

“Just get out!” Killian roared, his tone laced with fury. But whoever was outside didn’t heed his warning.

The door burst open.

Harry stepped in. My heart nearly collapsed with relief, my savior had arrived, even if by accident.

He didn’t flinch at the sight before him. Calmly, he tore a napkin from the table and handed it to Killian.

“You’re bleeding,” he said flatly.

I blinked, confused that he could act so normal amid the chaos.

I’d never headbutted anyone before; I had been terrified I’d split my forehead open. But apparently, I had a skull made of stone. Headbutting is my new superpower.

“I told you to get out!” Killian snapped.

Harry didn’t move. “Sire, there are more pressing matters than this…” His eyes flicked to me briefly before returning to Killian. “The Alpha sent a letter.”

He bowed slightly and walked out before Killian could respond.

Killian’s chest rose and fell with rage. Then he turned to me. “Count yourself among my lucky prisoners,” he muttered, grabbing me by the arm and shoving me back into the cage. The iron door clanged shut.

He stormed out, the sound of his boots fading down the hall.

I sat there trembling, my breath shaking.

I was lucky …I might have been strangled to death… or worse, raped by that monster.

Killian was the Alpha’s son. He could do anything and no one would dare question him.

“I must be careful around that beast,” I hissed under my breath as the metallic taste of blood coated my tongue.

“Ouch…” I groaned softly. My lips were bleeding too.

I didn’t know how to outsmart him yet, but two things were clear: he hated anyone who challenged his authority or spoke about Thorne, and he was dangerously drawn to me.

For now, I had to pretend to be what he wanted, until I could gather my strength again.

Killian was the only link that bound me to Thorne, and Thorne was the only one who could get me home.

In the end, I was fighting for my own redemption.

Arlie had been silent since that night. Maybe she was still recovering from the power that awakened inside me… or maybe she wanted me to learn how to survive on my own.

That night passed without a single sign of Killian. He sent maids to bring food, which I forced down despite the knot in my stomach.

The next day, he didn’t come either. It must have been something to do with the Alpha’s letter. I just hoped he wasn’t paying the price for what happened between us.

Two more days passed. Still no Killian.

The silence felt wrong. Too long, too heavy.

Then, on the third day, the door finally creaked open.

He entered; pale, exhausted, his shoulders tense with something I couldn’t name. The sun had already set, and darkness was gently crawling in through the window.

I stood quickly and bowed low. “Welcome home, my lord,” I greeted softly, my tone obedient, careful.

He took a few slow steps forward, studying me as if weighing a decision. A deep sigh escaped him.

He approached the cage, his expression unreadable. Then, his voice dropped to a whisper.

“Thorne is awake.”

He turned and disappeared into his inner chamber without another word.

I stood frozen, heart thundering, the echo of his words burning through my mind.

Thorne is awake.

That wasn’t just an announcement. It was the beginning of something bigger.

And deep down, I knew — this is where my story truly begins.