POV of MatildaI woke up first from the cold. moist soil under my hands. There was moss and smoke. Chains gently rattled around my wrists when I attempted to move, and my head ached.

From the shadows, a voice murmured, "Easy." Silent. acquainted. perilous.

At least I could see Rhys when I opened my eyes. He leaned against a shattered pillar, half of his face illuminated by a torch, the other half lost in darkness.

"You," I mumbled. My throat ached. "What am I?"

He gave a weak smile. ...