Aiden's POV

Instinct kicked in before consciousness did. My hands shot to my side seeking a weapon that wasn't there. The room spun— a harsh white blur but I forced myself still breathing through the pain tearing across my ribs.

My heart thundered. My muscles tightened.

Where was I? Who brought me here? Where was Elira?

The metallic hum of equipment hit me next, followed by the sterile bite of disinfectant. A medical room. Somewhere hidden, somewhere controlled.

My jaw clenched. I shoved down dizziness forcing myself to sit when my lips parted, a painful groan escaping my lips.

The door flung open.

“Aiden!”

Amara. Why was she here? I...