Amaya's pov 

 The bond severance procedure is scheduled for midnight.

 I know because Hayes told me when they dragged me out of my cell at 11:30. The procedure room is different from the testing room—more equipment, more staff, a chair with more restraints than I can count.

 "This won't hurt," Hayes says, which is how I know it absolutely will.

 They strap me into the chair. My wrists, ankles, chest, forehead—all immobilized. I can barely breathe.

 A doctor I don't recognize approaches with a needle. "This will suppress your wolf temporarily. Make the severance cleaner."

 "Don't," I gasp. "Please—"

 The needle plunges into my arm.

 Immediately, I feel my wolf...