My body had stopped listening to me. Every muscle shook. Every bone screamed. My lungs felt like collapsing bags, dragging for air that refused to come. Still, I moved. Step, sway, spin. The same pitiful puppet dance for his amusement. I knew I looked ridiculous. My arms were wooden, jerking like loose hinges. My legs tangled with the hem of my dress, my knees threatening to fold under me. I was close so close to collapsing. And yet, I forced myself through another turn. Because Alpha Zach's eyes were on me. Because his aura pressed against my spine, demanding more, demanding obedience until there was nothing left of me but trembling, hollow pieces.
"Inner voice: She dances as if the grave puppeteers her bones, his inner voice coiled through my mind, slick and venomous. Look, the little toad twirls. Look, the swamp ghost staggers.
