Selene's POV
The next morning...
The cold clink of the chains unlocking echoed through the punishment room.
I didn't move.
My wrists dropped heavily to my sides, blood rushing back into my numb arms. The sudden ache barely registered—because something far worse had already settled inside me.
Kael didn't speak.
He simply tugged the leash.
The collar tugged at my throat, not harshly, but enough to make me stumble forward.
The bell rang. A small, delicate jingle. Innocent in sound. Cruel in meaning.
My legs obeyed because I couldn't afford to fall, because I am sure he would start dragging me like that without giving me the chance to stood up.
We stepped into the corridor, and with every slow step, the little bell jingled, soft and rhythmic.
I kept my head down.
My hair fell like a curtain around my face, shielding me. Not out of fear. Not even out of shame.
But because if I saw someone—anyone—I didn't know if I could survive it.
My fists clenched at my sides, trembling.
