Hours had passed since Avery's last encounter with the rogue lord, and the cell had grown darker and colder. Her body ached from the repeated beatings and the strain of trying to escape. She lay on the dirty mattress, her mind racing with thoughts of her mates and the pack, trying to keep her hope alive.
Suddenly, the heavy door creaked open again, its rusty hinges protesting. Avery's heart leapt in her chest. She quickly sat up, her eyes straining to see who was entering. The dim light from the torch outside cast a shadowy figure on the stone wall.
As the figure stepped into the cell, Avery's breath caught in her throat. It was Cassie, her number one bully from childhood.
Avery knew that Cassie had always been ambitious and competitive, often challenging people for better positions an
