Chapter38:

Chapter 38 I woke up with a start, my head pounding and my body bruised. When my eyes had become used to the dim light, I found that I was inside a cave, the smell of air was wet earth mixed with something threatening. I tried to get up, but my wrists and ankles were tied with chains that felt like they had strange energy. These chains weren't normal; they were making me feel powerless and exposed. The noise of approaching footsteps in the cave caught my attention. Ryder entered, flanked by his followers. My heart raced as I saw the items they carried: ancient artifacts and ingredients that reeked of dark magic. Whatever Ryder had planned, it couldn't be good. “Ah, Aurora,” Ryder's voice dripped with false warmth. “So glad you're awake.” I tried to break free from the chains, but the chains just clinked without helping. “What are you planning, Ryder?” I spat, trying to mask my fear with defiance. Ryder's mouth twisted into a mean grin as he started to draw a complicated pattern around