Kieran's POV
I was braced for it. For being dragged away as monsters, as threats to be dissected. Our deepest, most shameful secret was out, writ large on a battlefield for everyone to see.
But this woman… she just knew. She looked at us, and she saw it for what it was.
What other choice did we have now? Run? In this state? We wouldn't even last 5 minutes. So when she said she'd help, a desperate, fragile part of me latched onto it. I nodded, the movement stiff.
At her signal, her men moved in. They were efficient, professional. They helped Kayden and me to our feet, their grips firm but not cruel. Then they approached Keith.
My heart seized as they brought out heavy, rune-etched silver chains. I wanted to shout, to stop them, but the rational part of me knew it was necessary.
