Nyx
Each day carved something new into me. I was eating without protest, of course. The bruises faded quicker now. My muscles burned, but not from weakness. From growth. Every fall in the underground gym became a lesson. Every time Kaelen’s hand pulled me back to my feet, I learned to stand faster on my own.
I hated him for pushing me, but I hated myself more for almost craving the challenge. The girl who once cowered in chains was disappearing, and in her place… something else stirred. My wolf’s whispers no longer felt like distant echoes.
They were louder, sharper. Sometimes so close I swore her breath brushed my ear. I wasn’t free. Not yet. My room still had locks, my meals still came under watch. But inside, somewhere deep in the marrow of me, I was beginning to taste it. Strength
