"Huh…"
My eyes snapped open, hazy with stupor, the world around me slow to come into focus.
Cold air brushed against my skin as I blinked, looking around with sluggish confusion. The first thing I noticed—the chains. Still there. Still binding my wrists.
Had I… fallen asleep?
Yeah. Probably.
After all, Alicia had drained so much blood from me earlier that my body simply gave out. I must've blacked out from sheer exhaustion.
But now… she wasn't here.
I sat there for a moment, straining my senses, but her presence was gone. Taking the chance, I drew in a deep breath and let Wrath slowly channel into my palm. The crimson chains pulsed faintly in response, their unnatural energy resisting me.
I closed my eyes, forcing myself to stay calm, to make every move subtle, imperceptible. Just enough power to eat away at the bindings without sending off sparks or flares that could alert her.
Seconds dragged. Each one felt like a small eternity.
