13. Cassie

Roughly depoaited in my cell, Elder Brent and Gunner lingered. I had hoped they’d simply throw me in the squalid, windowless room and walk away.

Then I could try and piece together what the hell I am meant to do with the rest of my life. No doubt Elle intends for it to only last a few days. Maybe less.

Nobody lasts for long down here. Kallio does enforce life imprisonment. It’s just that your life is pretty much over a few days after getting down here. The Elders make sure of it. They aren’t just there for advice. They take care of the dirty work, too.

Elder Gunner in particular. The way his musty green eyes linger on my bare flesh is sending my wolf into overdrive.

My mantra for the last few years rises in my chest. I am not low, only lowered.

“I think you can leave now” I mutter, grabbing a foul-smelling blanket to cover my legs.

“I don’t think you have any say in that now,” Elder Gunner smirked. Younger, thicker built than Elder Brent, I knew underneath his brown robe he was s