The air rushed from my lungs as his arm shot through the bars. His fingers dug into my throat and I could feel him crushing my windpipe. "Watch what you say. I'm your Alpha now." His grip tightened as he pulled me closer to the bars. "Your life belongs to me."
I clawed desperately at his hand, black spots dancing in my vision. My nails drew blood but he didn't even flinch. "What..." I wheezed as I struggled for each word. "What happened to...your promise?" I kicked weakly at the bars. "You said... you'd release me when you become Alpha."
He left my throat, and I collapsed against the floor, coughing.
"Oh, I'll release you as promised," he paced around. "But I promise you this—the release will be worse than staying in these cells."
"What do you mean?" I whispered.
"You'll see tomorrow. Consider it my final gift to you, my dear mate." He spat the last word like it was poison.
They turned to leave, but Cynthia paused as she looked back. "You know what's truly pathetic, Ariana? How eagerly you took the blame. The perfect little martyr, right until the end."