POV: Lucian
I woke to the taste of metal and magic.
The restraints had gone on sometime during the night—I had vague memories of struggling, of voices sharp with fear, of hands forcing my wrists into cuffs that burned cold against my skin. Silver, my wolf whimpered. Always silver. But these were different. Heavier. Carved with symbols that glowed faint obsidian-black, drinking in light rather than reflecting it.
Blood magic. Vampire blood magic, specifically designed to contain power that shouldn't exist.
Specifically designed to contain me.
"Easy." Lior's voice cut through the haze, close and quiet. "Don't fight them. Fighting only makes it worse."
I forced my eyes open—both colors blazing even in the dim light of wherever they'd moved me. Not the royal chambers anymore. Somewhere deeper. Colder. The walls were bare stone carved with more of those obsidian symbols, and the only furniture was the chair they'd locked me to and a small table bearing... medical instruments?
