No one recognized me because I had lived hidden in the inner den for too long.
My words made them hesitate.
For half a second.
Lyra’s voice cut through sharply.
“She’s delirious.Ignore her.”
“Continue.”
And they did.
Their hands reached out —not with mercy,not with hesitation —only cruelty.
I felt myself shrinking inward,my mind screaming to escape my body,but I could not move.
Some of the women who worked there —desperate to trade cruelty for freedom —took up whips.
The lash cracked through the air.Once.Again.And again.
The blows tore across my exposed back like fire.
Every strike drove the air from my lungs.
Every touch made my skin crawl.
Pain folded me completely.
My cries drowned in the chaos.
Welts bloomed across my body.
Blood.Tears.Mud.
A nightmare I could not wake from.
One of Lyra’s followers hesitated, whispering:
“Lyra… no matter what she’s done… she’s still one of the Alpha’s mates…Is this really appropriate?”
Lyra didn’t even glance at her.
“What’s inappropriate?” she said lazily.“The Alpha dotes on me.”
“I’m just punishing a mutt he barely remembers.”
“And my brother said it himself —as long as I don’t commit direct treason,no one in this pack can touch me.”