Chapter Thirty-One

As Liv returned to consciousness, she tried to take in her surroundings. Cold, hard stone beneath her cheek. A faint smell of woodsmoke. When she cracked her eyes open, all she could see were wavering, indistinct lights against a black backdrop. She blinked and tried again. The lights turned into torches hung on a stone wall like some kind of medieval castle. Where was she? She tried to push up on her hands but dropped down again with a groan of pain. Her head was throbbing, and stars burst in front of her eyes.

"Well, sleeping beauty has finally awakened." The sneering voice was familiar. Liv lay still and tried to think. Who would do this? The only people she knew were her boss and Brodi's family. No one would…her eyes flew open as the answer came to her. Brand, Brodi's brother. That was the voice.

Nausea roiled in her gut as the truth hit her. Brand had hurt her; taken her somewhere. But why would he want to hurt her?

A boot toed her side. "Get up! I know you're awake."

Liv tried