Twenty

You should have stayed out of this game," Xandros repeated, his eyes gleaming with triumph.

I struggled against the chains that bound me, but they were too strong. I was trapped, at the mercy of my former allies.

Damien's eyes met mine, filled with a mix of anger and regret. "I'm sorry," he mouthed, before Xandros' gaze fell upon him, and he looked away.

Zephyr's expression was unreadable, her eyes fixed on the floor. Had she been playing us all along?

Lysander sneered, his face twisted in contempt. "You were always too trusting," he spat. "Too weak."

Rowan's eyes seemed to hold a hint of sadness, but his voice was firm. "We had no choice," he said. "Xandros promised us power beyond our wildest dreams."

I felt a surge of anger and betrayal. How could they do this to me? To us?

Xandros chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You see, my dear, you were always just a pawn in our game. A means to an end."

I spat at his feet, defiance burning within me. "You'll never win," I snarled.