He moved faster than a normal wolf could. Faster than Nikolai could react.

His fist slammed into Nikolai's chest. The sound was like breaking wood.

Nikolai flew backward. Hit the stone wall hard.

"Too slow," Kieran said. He grabbed Nikolai by the throat. Lifted him off the ground like he weighed nothing.

"Too weak."

He threw Nikolai across the room. Nikolai crashed into the torture table. Tools scattered everywhere.

"Too pathetic."

Kieran walked over slowly. Like he had all the time in the world.

Nikolai tried to get up. His body wouldn't obey. Everything hurt.

"You know what your problem is?" Kieran asked. He kicked Nikolai in the ribs. "You...