Embrace Her Darkness

[Ayla’s POV]

I lean forward, trying to ignore the pain that shoots through me while the world fades in and out. I had told Barren to do his worst, and do his worst he did, leaving me battered and bruised and chained to a damn chair while he ran around who knew where.

Grumbling to myself, I begin to pull at the chains around my wrists, but stop as the cold metal cuts into my skin, sending waves of agonizing pain through me.

Fuck, this wouldn’t do. I couldn’t just stay here. I didn’t know how the others were or whether or not Barren had done something to them.

Lifting my gaze, I take in the area around me, trying to determine if there was something I could use to try to pick the locks of my cuffs. When I spot a small pocket knife, I know it is exactly what I need. I just need to get to it.

I begin to buck my body, attempting to bunny hop forward but only crashing to my side, sending more pain through me.

"Dammit," I growl, looking toward the weapon I need. "This won’t do. I can’t just s