Kael’s POV

The cell was made of stone.

Old. Ancient. Laced with symbols from a language even I couldn’t read, but I felt their weight.

Every inch of it pulsed with restraint magic.

A cage not meant for monsters, meant for monsters who tried to be men.

I couldn't shift. Couldn't call on my power. My blood felt thick. Poisoned. Heavy with betrayal.

My wrists were chained, carved iron biting into skin that had healed too many times.

My father sat across the room, calm as ever, sipping from a cup like we were just catching up.

“You always did have your mother’s spirit,” he said. “That’s why I had...