Broken by One, Desired by All
"Now, poke your own arm. Use your claws. Make a scratch."
I opened my eyes, looking at him like he'd lost his ancient mind. "You want me to hurt myself? On purpose?"
"Do it, boy," Daekan barked, his tone brooking no argument. "Stop being so fragile."
I let out a sharp breath and extended a single silver claw on my right index finger, watching it gleam in the dim light. I pressed it against my left forearm and dragged it down, splitting the skin with a clean line. A bright ribbon of red immediately started to bead up along the cut. I flinched, the sting making my jaw tighten and my teeth clench.