The enchanted chain burned cold against my skin, sucking away my energy, my magic, my very life force with each passing moment. I stumbled forward, propelled by a rough shove between my shoulder blades. My legs trembled with exhaustion and fear as my captor led me through the dimly lit corridor of the ancient castle.
"Keep moving," Damian snarled, his aristocratic voice dripping with menace. "You need to see what happens to those who defy me."
My heart thundered in my chest. What was he planning? Where was he taking me? The questions swirled in my head as we ascended a narrow spiral staircase, the worn stone steps slick with moisture. With each step, dread coiled tighter in my stomach.
We emerged onto a high balcony overlooking a vast stone plaza within the castle grounds. The night air hit my face, cold and sharp, carrying the scent of impending rain. Torches flickered around the perimeter of the plaza, casting long, dancing shadows across the weathered stones.
