Jaxon's POV

The first thing I noticed when I woke was the ache in my head. It pulsed like a tribal drum. My arms were deadweight behind me, wrists strapped together with rattling chains. I tried to lift them but the movement sent pain up my spine. My body felt far away. My mind was slow.

The air reeked of sweat and must and old blood. Somewhere nearby, water dripped in steady rhythm. I rolled onto my side, or tried to. My body barely cooperated.

I was inside a cage. Iron bars sealed me off from the rest of the room. I tugged at the restraints again and felt metal...