Chapter 84: Cut off Astrid's wings

Alden slowly opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was the decayed walls of the dungeons.

He sprang up and instantly regretted doing so. Pain shot through his entire body, making him collapse back to the ground. He groaned and raised his head weakly, scanning the cell he was locked in.

The last thing he remembered was fighting Astrid's warriors with his brothers and trying to protect Diana. Then... he had been stung by the manticore.

He touched the top of his back, feeling the skin with his fingers. There was a large bump, the spot where the creature had stung him.

Then his head snapped up. Diana! Where was Diana? And his brothers? Had something happened to them?

Summoning up his entire strength, he got up and staggered towards the gate. Gripping it hard, he shook it aggressively.

"Diana?" He called out, hoping she was somewhere close. "Diana can you here me?"

There was no response. Even when he called for his brothers, no one answered. The weakness took hold of him again and he