CHAPTER SEVNTY-ONE

I come awake slowly, the world filtering back in pieces. The musty scent of damp earth and stone. The distant drip of water echoing off cavernous walls. The chill of the air against my skin, a stark contrast to the memory of Nickolas's warmth.

Nickolas.

I sit bolt upright, my heart pounding as my eyes fly open and dart around the unfamiliar space. I'm in a cave; that much is clear. But how did I get here? And where is Nickolas?

Ignoring the protest of my healing body, I stagger to my feet and make my way toward the entrance of the cave. The tattered remains of my dress hang off me in shreds, the fabric stiff with dried blood and caked with dirt. My feet are bare and scraped raw but clean as if someone has taken the time to tend to them while I slept.

I stumble out into the night, the cool air hitting my face like a slap as I scan the surrounding area. There are other lycans milling about, their faces drawn and hag