Chapter 185

Cassandra's POV

The chains clanked loudly as I was dragged forcibly, each metallic clatter echoing my growing despair. My wrists chafed painfully within their iron bindings, already raw from previous struggles. The guards' indifferent faces showed no sign of compassion as they flung me into the cell and slammed the door shut.

"This is a mistake!" I screamed, my voice cracking. But my cries bounced off the cold stone walls unanswered. The hall on the other side of the bars fell silent except for the sound of footsteps retreating into the distance.

I fell back against the grimy wall, sliding down until I was sitting on the cold floor. My pulse thrummed with anxiety as I closed my eyes and reached out through the bond that connected me to my mate. "Help me, please," I whispered into the tenuous link that tethered us together.

But there was nothing—no comforting response, no warm reassurance. I was met with a void, a black hole where I should find solace. Panic clawed at my insides, b