BOUGHT BY THE BEAST
My leg still hurt but the worst had dulled.
"There's a dress," Caspian said, gesturing to a gown draped over a chair.
It was beautiful. Deep crimson, the color of blood and power. Silver embroidery traced patterns that matched the scars from the ritual. The back was open, designed to show the claiming mark on my shoulder.
They wanted everyone to see what I'd survived.
"Help me?" I asked.
Caspian helped me dress. Careful. Reverent.
When I was ready, I looked in the mirror.