Lia’s POV

I was thrown out of the pack like discarded trash. The guards shoved me hard, and I hit the ground, my body screaming in protest from the pain in my back. My belongings were tossed at me like they meant nothing. I wanted to scream, to let out the rage that was bubbling beneath my skin, but I bit it back. The agony was unbearable. My back felt like it was on fire, each movement sending sharp stabs of pain through me.

I closed my eyes, swallowing the tears that threatened to spill. I refused to be weak, not now. As I opened my eyes again, I saw...