Elina POVThe scent of mildew and something far worse, the acrid bitterness of old blood hung in the air, as I neared the stone steps leading down to the dungeon, making my stomach churn.I hesitated at the top of the stairs, gripping the iron rail as though it might steady the storm of emotions tearing through me.Rowan was down there. My brother, my family, my tether to sanity was somewhere beneath my feet in the clutches of him.What state would Rowan be in? Had they tortured him, starved him? Could I even recognize the brother I’d once laughed with, shared secrets with?Drawing in a shaky breath, I turned the handle and pushed the door open.The sight that greeted me turned my stomach.The dim room was dominated by Rowan, slumped in the corner, his body bloodied and bound..The sight hit me like a blow, my knees threatening to buckle. His face was bruised, one eye nearly swollen shut, dried blood marking the sharp angles of his cheekbones.“Rowan...” The sound of his name cracked
Last Updated : 2026-10-09 Read more