The hunters dragged me through the dirt path toward the center of the village. I sagged under the weight of the silver chains binding my wrists and ankles. Each movement sent waves of ache through my entire being.
The crowd followed, their whispers and taunts echoing around me.
"Monster."
"Serves her right."
"Let this be a warning to her kind."
When we reached the village square, they threw me onto the cobblestones with a rough shove. I collapsed to my knees, gasping for air as the silver chains continued to burn my skin. Villagers gathered in a tight circle with twisted faces.
At the center of the square stood a large wooden post surrounded by a pile of dry logs. My lips parted, but I didn't need to ask what it was for.
"No…"
The council soon arrived, solemn-faced men and women clad in robes. Their leader, an older man with a hawk-like face and piercing gray eyes, stepped forward. His gaze swept over me before addressing the crowd.
