Chapter Thirty Three
Days had bled into weeks since the combat trial, and the walls of Tom's room were starting to feel like a cage. He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his palms. His control over his basic traits had sharpened, and his flesh had become as tough as tempered steel under John's brutal tutelage, but the primal, evolved power he had tasted during the trial remained locked away. Worst of all, his ability to shift was gone—stifled by the oppressive atmospheric domain of this realm.
How am I supposed to take revenge on that bastard King if I can't even grow out my claws? he thought bitterly. How can I steal the Astex token like this?
A rhythmic knock shattered his spiraling thoughts.
"Who is it?" Tom called out, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
"It's me. Caroline."
Tom sighed, rubbing his face. "What does she want now?" he muttered, but louder he said, "I'm coming."
