Lorena’s POV.
Soft knocks on the door signal Marley’s arrival, and I instinctively curl into a ball, moving just enough to clear the doorway slightly. The hinges creak as she enters, and I hear her gasp the moment her eyes land on me.
“Lady Lorena, are you alright?” she whispers, concern thick in her voice. She drags the trolley into the room and closes the door behind her with a force that betrays her gentle nature.
I don’t answer. I can’t. What could I even say? Do I look alright? I’m naked, bleeding, crying, and curled in a ball on the cold, hard floor, feeling every part of my body aching in ways that no one should ever feel. I bite my lip, trying to stop myself from snapping at the only person who shows me any kindness. But I’m drowning in my pain, both physical and emotional.
Marley mutters something under her breath before she scoops me into her arms, cradling me like a child as if I weigh nothing at all. Despite her small stature, dragons possess strength beyond measure. She could launch me from this tower if she wanted—send me flying like a cannonball across the sky. In this moment, I wouldn’t mind. I wouldn’t mind escaping it all, leaving this world behind… but then I’d never see him again.
No.
Don’t go there, Lorena.
Marley gently places me on the bed and carefully assesses my body. Her touch is soft but deliberate, her eyes scanning for wounds as she works. She drapes a large towel over my trembling form, covering my upper half before she moves to inspect the damage below. I watch her swallow hard, the muscles in her throat tensing, and my heart sinks deeper into the pit that’s been swallowing me whole. I already know what she sees—it’s bad. Worse than usual.
He kept his claws extended this time, digging into my flesh like I was nothing more than a toy for him to destroy. Marley’s expression confirms it. She finds the source of the blood and tenderly cleans the wounds, dabbing at the mess between my legs. Each movement is a fresh wave of agony, and I can’t stop the hiss that escapes through my teeth.
She pauses, her face softening, and leans in close to whisper, “I’ll take you back to the river tomorrow.”
For the first time since she entered, a small smile tugs at my lips. The pain fades just enough for hope to flicker, warm and comforting in the darkness. The river. My mind immediately drifts to him. Asher. I’ve only just met him, but it feels as though I’ve known him forever. I miss him already—his kind eyes, the way he looked at me like I was more than this broken shell. More than a prisoner. There was something in the way his gaze lingered, as if he could see past the scars, past the bruises, straight into my soul.
The thought of being near him again stirs something deep inside me—a longing that is as thrilling as it is terrifying. I want to melt into his arms, feel the strength of his embrace, the safety of his presence. I imagine him holding me tightly, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, comforting kiss. The thought makes my heart race, and my stomach tightens with forbidden desire.
Marley snaps me back to reality by dusting her hands together. “I couldn’t heal the skin inside of you, but I’ve tended to the outside. It was a bit tricky with all the… extra moisture.”
Her comment makes me blush furiously. The embarrassment rises like fire in my cheeks, but she only offers me a knowing smile. “It helped that you were relaxed, though, my lady,” she teases, winking at me as if to ease my shame.
I look away, my face burning. Of course, it was the thought of Asher that helped me relax, not the shame of Draco’s touch still lingering on my skin. Marley doesn’t push it. Instead, she pulls out a thick pad and some underwear, sliding them up my legs with the utmost care. She follows it with a soft robe, wrapping it around me like a cocoon. I snuggle into its warmth, grateful for even this small comfort.
Once she finishes tending to me, she pours a hot cup of tea, the steam rising in gentle swirls. I take it gratefully, savoring the warmth that spreads through my chest as I sip it slowly. For a moment, the pain recedes, and the tea fills me with a small sense of peace.
Marley huddles closer, her voice lowering to a whisper. “Who was that man you were talking with earlier?”
I freeze, my eyes wide, the blood rushing to my face again. Asher. Just his name in my head makes my heart beat faster. I try to keep my voice hushed. “His name is Asher,” I confess softly, “and he’s… incredible. A true gentleman, Marley. If only I had met him in another lifetime, one where I wasn’t bound to… that monster.” My voice cracks on the last word, but I continue, desperate to share the fantasy I’ve built in my head. “I wish he were my Prince Charming, coming to slay the dragon. He’d sweep me onto his mount, and we’d ride off into the sunset. I’d press my cheek against his chest, safe… finally safe.”
I sigh, the weight of the impossible wish heavy on my heart. I know better than to believe in fairy tales, but oh, how I wish this one were real. Just for me. Just this once.
Marley’s face softens with sympathy, her eyes full of sadness. “I’m sorry, Lorena. You deserve a mate who would worship the ground you walk on. Someone who would treasure you, treat you with the love and respect you’ve been denied. My heart aches for you.”
She leaves my meal and tea beside me, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead before quietly exiting the room. I don’t eat. I just sip my tea, letting the warm liquid soothe me as I drift into sweet dreams of Asher’s arms holding me tight.
I wake to the sound of Marley’s footsteps. She stands in front of me, holding up two different outfits. Both are equally revealing, and while I’d prefer something more modest for wandering the castle halls, I can’t help but feel a small thrill at the thought of wearing them in front of Asher. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll like what he sees.
I choose the black one—a small bralette top adorned with gleaming gems and a short skirt with a high slit. The built-in underwear makes me feel a bit more secure. I shift slightly, relieved that the lotion she used has done its magic. The pain has dulled, if only a little.
Marley takes my hand, guiding me out of the castle. We approach the ether, its bright blue orb pulsating with energy. I hesitate, my pulse quickening at the sight of it. The ether always unsettles me, its power unpredictable. But I have no choice. Draco’s orders are clear—if I disobey, he’ll destroy the only thing that still matters to me.
Marley bows deeply before me. “I will see you soon, my lady,” she says softly before turning and walking away. I stand there, trying to calm my racing heart, shaking out my limbs as if that will somehow prepare me for what’s about to happen.
With a deep breath, I step into the ether. My body lifts, weightless, before it seizes, convulsing with the pain of the energy it draws from me. Every cell screams in agony as my eyes roll back, and I feel the ether drain me, pulling the life from my veins.
But I don’t resist. Resistance only makes it worse, drags it out longer. No. I comply, letting the ether take what it needs because the sooner it’s done, the sooner I can go. I can run. I can fly. And I can hope—hope to see him again. Those honey eyes, watching me with a warmth I’ve never known.
I drop to the ground as the ether releases me, weak but ready to go.