The clinking of the chains felt louder than usual, each step echoing like a cruel reminder of what I had endured. Asher's grip was firm, guiding me down the dim corridors back to my cell. I barely noticed the damp chill of the stones under my feet anymore. My body was too consumed by the fiery ache radiating from my back, each breath sending sharp jolts of pain through me.

It was worse now - far worse than the first day. The wounds layered upon each other, old bruises reigniting with each strike. My knees threatened to buckle, but I forced myself to stay upright. If I fell, Asher would just drag me the rest of the way, and I couldn't bear to give him that satisfaction. 

The cell door creaked open, and I stumbled inside, catching myself on the rough stone wall. Asher locked the door with a swift, metallic snap and left without a word, his heavy boots retreating down the hall. I sank to the floor, my legs no longer able to hold me. My head fell back against the wall, eyes drifting shut as the silence pressed in. 

Three days. Three days of this. 

I couldn't tell which hurt more - the pain laced through my body or the growing hollowness in my chest. The bond was relentless, an invisible thread pulling tighter and tighter with every hour of separation from Sebastian. It was a madness I couldn't escape. 

Each punishment blurred into the next, and with every whip, I felt another piece of my sanity slip away. My mind betrayed me with fleeting images of the spring court, of Sebastian's warm smile, his steady voice. But they didn't comfort me - they only reminded me of what I had lost and what I might never see again.

Time had dissolved into a cruel fog, a haze where seconds dragged like centuries, and memories felt as fragile as shattered glass beneath my fingertips. My mind was no longer my own; it unraveled like threads from an old tapestry, each one tugged loose by the suffocating weight of separation. 

Sometimes I imagined my thoughts as a swarm of insects, buzzing and relentless, darting in directions I couldn't follow. They crawled through my skull, whispering things I didn't want to hear - You'll never see him again. This is your end. Their wings beat louder when I closed my eyes, a chaotic hum that drowned out reason.

Other times, it felt as though my soul had been hollowed out, scooped clean like a fruit left to rot in the sun. The bond was a rope fraying at both ends, snapping strand by stand until I teetered on the edge of oblivion. I could feel it - Sebastian slipping further and further away, like sand falling through my fingers. No matter how tightly I clenched my fists, he was gone before I could grasp him. 

I tried to hold on to fragments of reality - to the cold stone beneath me, the searing pain that reminded me I was still alive - but they slipped through the cracks like water, leaving me drowning in shadows. 

Sometimes I spoke aloud, just to hear something other than the suffocating silence. My own voice sounded foreign, like it belonged to someone else.

Madness was no longer creeping - it had sunk its claws into me, carving away my resolve piece by piece. But beneath the chaos, there was still a tiny ember burning. A stubborn, defiant spark that refused to die, no matter how much the pain threatened to smother it. I need to survive this. That was the only thought that remained untouched, the only thread I refused to let unravel. 

The silence was too loud again. My voice broke through it, cracking and uneven. "I'll come back, Sebastian," I whispered, the words bouncing off the walls like ghosts mocking me. "I'll come back...I promised."

The sound of my voice was both comforting and unnerving. I had started talking to myself a day ago - or maybe longer, I didn't know. Time was a cruel trickster in this place. The words were like a lifeline, an anchor to reality, though I wasn't sure if they were holding me steady or dragging me deeper into the abyss. 

"I can do this," I muttered. "I've faced worse. This is nothing. Nothing..." My laugh was hollow, brittle, cracking under its own weight. "Who am I kidding? This is everything."

Then I heard it - footsteps. At first, I thought it was the sound of my sanity pacing in circles. But it grew louder, closer, the rhythm too steady to be a trick of the mind.

"It's just Nefeli...or Asher," I murmured, bracing myself. "Nothing new." The chain around my wrists rattled as I shifted, every movement a reminder of how broken my body was. 

But when the figure came into view, my heart stopped. Kian. He stood there, his face tense with worry, his green eyes scanning the cell as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. 

I blinked hard, squeezing my eyes shut and opening them again. "No," I whispered. "This isn't real. You're not real." 

"Verena," he said softly, his voice a low murmur that made me more certain I was hallucinating. "I found the key. I'm getting you out of here." 

I shook my head violently, the world tilting with the motion. "You can't be here. You're not here. This is the bond playing tricks on me. You're-" My words faltered as he knelt in front of the cell, pulling out a small iron key. 

"Does this look like a hallucination to you?" he whispered, holding the key up. His hands trembled slightly, and his usually calm demeanor was cracked with urgency. "I'm real, Verena. And I'm taking you back. Just - stay quiet."

Desperation clawed at my chest as I tried to process this. My hands darted out, clutching the cold bars as if they could ground me. My fingers brushed against his, and I felt warmth - real warmth, not the phantom touch of the bond. 

"Kian," I breathed, the word trembling on my lips like a prayer. "You're...real?" 

"Yes," he hissed, his eyes darting down the hall. "But we don't have much time." 

As he fit the key into the lock, the soft click of boots echoed down the corridor. My breath caught, and Kian froze. Out of the shadows emerged Nefeli, her expression cold and unyielding. 

"Step away from the cell," she commanded, her voice like steel. Kian stood slowly, his hands raised in mock gesture of surrender. "Thought you could just waltz in here and break her out? How naive." 

"Please," Kian said, his voice calm but strained. "You don't have to do this."

"Do you think I enjoy this?" she snapped, stepping closer. Her handcuffs gleamed in the dim light as she fastened them around his wrists with practiced precision. "You've just earned yourself a place in the cell too, traitor." 

My heart sank as she shoved Kian into the cell with me, locking it again with a sharp click. He stumbled slightly, catching himself on the wall before meeting my wide-eyed gaze. 

"Well," he said, a weak smile tugging at his lips. "That didn't go as planned." 

The moment the cell door slammed shut behind Kian, the reality of the situation crashed over me like a wave. My body tensed as I realized how exposed I was - completely bare, every injury, bruise, and scar laid out for him to see. A sharp sting of embarrassment burned through me, almost worse than the pain itself. I turned away, wrapping my arms around myself as if I could shield what little dignity I had left. 

"Verena," Kian said softly, his voice breaking through the haze. "You don't have to hide from me."

I shook my head, pressing my back against the cold wall. "I - I didn't want anyone to see me like this," I whispered. "Not like this." 

His eyes softened, and I felt a sudden warmth spread through me - not physical, but something deeper. His physical empathy, I realized. He wasn't just observing my emotions; he was sharing them. 

"It's okay," he said gently, stepping closer but keeping enough distance to respect my space. "You've been through hell, Verena. There's nothing to be ashamed of." His voice was filled with the kind of quiet strength that only Kian possessed. "You're still standing. That's more than anyone could ask." 

I swallowed hard, his words loosening the knot of shame in my chest, but not completely. He crouched in front of me, his green eyes scanning over my injuries with a mix of concern and disbelief. His hand hovered over a particularly deep gash along my side, but he didn't touch it. "These...Verena, these are worse than I thought."

I looked away, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's been three days. They - they keep getting worse." 

He closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling sharply through his nose. When he opened them again, they were filled with resolve. "Let me help," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. 

"You can't -" I started, but he cut me off. 

"I can." His hands hovered over me, his expression softening. "I'll be careful. You've seen me heal worse before." 

I hesitated, my pride and vulnerability warring with the desperate need for relief. Finally, I gave a small nod, my voice trembling. "Okay." 

His hands glowed faintly as he began to work, the warmth of his power spreading through my battered body. It was a strange sensation, like sunlight seeping into frozen skin. The worst of the pain dulled, the open wounds knitting together just enough to stop the relentless ache. 

"You're tougher than I ever gave you credit for," he murmured, his voice low and filled with something like admiration. "But this...no one should have to endure this, Verena." 

I couldn't bring myself to respond. The relief was overwhelming, but the raw emotions beneath it were more so. He didn't press me, just continued his work in silence, his touch as gentle as a whisper. 

As the faint glow of Kian's power faded, the sharp, relentless pain eased, leaving only the dull ache of exhaustion behind. I glanced down at myself, the open wounds gone, replaced by faint scars that crisscrossed my skin like a haunting reminder of what I'd endured. The bruises had faded to pale shadows, but the scars remained. 

Kian's gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable at first. Then his eyes narrowed, concern deepening the furrow in his brow. "You're like skin and bones," he said, his voice low but edged with worry. He stepped back, as if to take me in fully. "When was the last time you ate, Verena?

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, I couldn't answer. My mind scrambled, searching for a memory that felt distant and blurred. Finally, I muttered, "The Spring Court...before I left." The words tasted bitter on my tongue, as if admitting it solidified how far I'd fallen. 

Kian's lips pressed into a thin line, his jaw tightening. "That was...days ago," he said, his tone incredulous. "How are you even -" He stopped himself, shaking his head as if trying to push away the thought. "Of course. You've been running on sheer willpower and the bond." 

I looked away, unable to meet his eyes. "It doesn't matter," I murmured. "Food won't fix this. None of it will fix this."

He crouched down again, his hands resting lightly on his knees as he tried to catch my gaze. "It does matter," he said firmly. "You can't fight through this if your body gives out on you. You need to eat, Verena. I'll figure something out. I'll-" 

"You can't help me," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. Regret flickered through me as his expression shifted, the determination in his eyes faltering for just a moment. "I mean...you're in here too now. You can't exactly go fetch food."

Kian huffed a quiet, humorless laugh. "Well, I didn't think this through entirely," he admitted, his voice softening into something almost teasing. "But give me a minute. I'll come up with a plan. I always do." 

I leaned back against the cold wall, the faint relief of my healed wounds overshadowed by Kian's concern. My voice wavered as I asked, "Have the attacks stopped?"

Kian's face fell, and for a moment, he didn't answer. His silence was answer enough. My stomach twisted painfully, and I forced myself to meet his eyes. 

"No," he said quietly, shaking his head. "They haven't. If anything, they've gotten worse." 

My heart sank, the guilt pressing down like a heavy weight on my chest. "Then...what am I even doing here?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I came back to stop this, and it's only gotten worse." 

"You couldn't have stopped it, Verena," Kian said gently but firmly. "You couldn't have known what would happen. The Autumn Court doesn't forgive easily, and this...this isn't about logic or fairness. It's about pride and politics. You're just a piece on their chessboard." 

I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Then why? Why am I still here, Kian? Why am I letting them do this to me if it doesn't even matter?"

"Because you love him," he said simply, his words cutting through the haze of my anger. "And because you're trying to protect him and his court, even if it feels impossible."

I fell silent, his words sinking in like stones into a dark, restless sea. 

Kian shifted, his expression softening as he continued. "You've missed out on a lot while you've been here," he said, his tone tinged with sadness. "Sebastian...he's king now." 

My head snapped up, my eyes widening. "What?"

"He was crowned a day after you left," Kian explained, his voice quiet. "It wasn't supposed to happen yet, but with everything going on, the Spring Court needed stability. He didn't want it this way, Verena. But he's doing it for his people. For you."

The knot in my chest tightened further, emotions I couldn't name swirling inside me. Pride, sadness, guilt - they all mixed together into something I couldn't untangle. "I should've been there," I whispered. 

"You couldn't be," Kian said firmly. "And he understands that. But he's not the only thing that's changed."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. 

Kian hesitated, glancing toward the cell door as if checking for eavesdroppers. "A lot has happened," he said slowly. "And not all of it is bad. But...you're going to need to hear it all. Just not right this second." 

I crossed my arms, wincing slightly at the lingering ache in my shoulders. "Kian, we're locked in a cell with nowhere to go. We have all the time in the world to talk about it."

He sighed, shaking his head. "You're as stubborn as ever."

"Comes with the territory," I replied, my lips twitching into a faint, humorless smile. "So start talking."

Kian leaned back against the wall, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. First off, the separation hasn't just been affecting you."

My chest tightened. "What do you mean?"

"Sebastian," Kian said softly. "He's not doing well, Verena. The bond is hitting him hard. He's been trying to hold it together - being the king, handling the attacks, keeping the court safe - but it's obvious it's tearing him apart." 

Guilt hit me like a blow, stealing the air from my lungs. "I don't want this," I whispered. "I thought coming here would protect him."

Kian reached out, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. "He knows that. But bonds don't care about intentions. They just exist. And they'll keep pulling at both of you until you're back together." 

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to focus as Kian continued. 

"Speaking of bonds..." He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I found out something unexpected." 

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to elaborate. 

"Emmaline," he said finally, his voice tinged with disbelief. "She's my mate."

The words hung in the air between us, and I blinked, unsure if I'd heard him right. "Emmaline?" I repeated, my tone incredulous. 

"Yeah," Kian said, letting out a short, dry laugh. "Trust me, it's been an adjustment."

"An adjustment?" I echoed, staring at him. "She hates you." 

"And I wasn't exactly a fan of hers either," he admitted. "But a bond is a bond. It's there whether we like it or not. And if we make it out of this alive, I'll have to live in the Spring Court."

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound bitter and sharp. "Guess we're both traitors now."

"Seems that way," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. 

I shook my head, trying to wrap my mind around it. "Anything else I should know?"

Kian's expression darkened slightly, his humor fading. "Yeah. Raphael - the royal healer - was a victim of one of the attacks. He didn't make it." 

I stared at him, my heart sinking. "Raphael...he's gone?"

Kian nodded grimly. "They hired someone new. His name is Eryx. He's...well, let's just say Aaron was more than happy with the choice." 

I frowned, confused by his tone. "What do you mean?"

Kian's grin returned, this time with a mischievous edge. "Aaron discovered that Eryx is his mate." 

My eyes widened. "Aaron has a mate?"

"Yep," Kian said, crossing his arms. "And get this - Eryx is a guy. Turns out you and Sebastian aren't the only scandal anymore."

I blinked, the unexpected news momentarily distracting me from my pain. "Aaron? And a guy? That's..."

"Unheard of," Kian finished for me, chuckling. "But they're dealing with it. And honestly, it's nice to see Aaron lighten up for once." 

I leaned my head back against the wall, letting my head rest against the cold stone as Kian's words sank in. My mind was spinning, each revelation adding a new layer to the weight pressing down on my chest. Sebastian was struggling, Emmaline was Kian's mate, Aaron had a mate of his own - and Raphael was gone. 

It didn't seem real. How could so much have changed in so little time?

I let out a shaky breath, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've only been gone for four days."

"Four days can feel like a lifetime," Kian said softly, watching me closely. 

"But...how?" I shook my head, disbelief lacing my words. "How could all of this happen in just four days? Sebastian becoming king, Emmaline - your mate - and Aaron's....it feels like the entire world shifted while I wasn't looking." 

Kian leaned forward, his expression serious but gentle. "The world doesn't stop moving, Verena. Not even for bonds, not even for wars. Things happen, and we just have to keep up." 

I closed my eyes, the enormity of it all threatening to overwhelm me. Four days. That was all it had taken for my entire life to unravel - and for the lives of those I cared about to change irrevocably. 

"Do you think..." I hesitated, my voice trembling. "Do you think they're okay? Sebastian, Aaron, Emmaline?"

Kian hesitated, his gaze flickering to the cell door before returning to me. "I think they're doing the best they can," he said finally. "But I won't lie to you, Verena. It's hard. For all of us. "

I opened my eyes, meeting his steady gaze. "I just feel like I've lost everything, Kian. Like nothing will ever be the same." 

"It won't be," he said simply. "But that doesn't mean it's over. You're not alone in this. You never were."

Her words were a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless. I nodded, the faintest glimmer of determination sparking within me. Four days or four lifetimes, it didn't matter. I would find a way to make it right. 

I let the silence linger for a moment, my gaze fixed on the faint cracks in the stone wall. Then, without looking at him, I murmured, "You know, out of everyone, I'm glad it was you who came for me."

Kian tilted his head, his green eyes softening as they met mine. "Even though it went horribly wrong?"

I managed a faint smile, a small laugh escaping my lips despite the heaviness in my chest. "Especially because it went horribly wrong. That's how we work, isn't it? We stumble through the worst situations, but we always figure it out somehow."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I don't know if I'd call this 'figuring it out.' More like surviving by sheer luck." 

"Still," I said, my voice growing quieter. "You're like a brother to me, Kian. And I know no matter what we endure, we'll help each other get through it. We always have." 

Kian's expression turned serious for a moment, his gaze steady. "Always," he said firmly.

I let the warmth of his words sink in before another thought crossed my mind. A weak laugh bubbled up, surprising even me. "And besides," I added, my tone dry, "it would've been way more embarrassing if it had been Aaron or Emmaline who found me like this." 

Kian blinked, caught off guard, before a genuine laugh escaped him. "You've got a point there. I can't imagine Aaron's face - or Emmaline's reaction, for that matter." 

"Exactly," I said, a ghost of a smile tugging at my lips. "At least you're used to my less-than-dignified moments."

He smirked, leaning back against the wall. "What are friends for?"

The faint smile on my lips faded as another thought crossed my mind. My gaze dropped to the floor, my fingers idly tracing one of the scars on my arm. "As much as I wish it had been Sebastian instead," I murmured, "I know it wouldn't have been good for him to see me like this." 

Kian's humor faded too, his expression turning thoughtful. "You think it would've been too much for him?" 

I nodded slowly. "He's seen me bare before, but...not like this. Not battered and broken." My voice wavered, but I pushed through, needing to say the words out loud. "It would've broken him, Kian. And he'd go overboard trying to help, throwing himself into things without thinking. He'd make it worse, for both of us." 

Kian studied me for a moment, his eyes calm but piercing. "You're probably right," he said quietly. "Sebastian's good at a lot of things, but stepping back when it comes to you isn't one of them." 

A faint, bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "That's why you're the perfect person to have come. You can keep your head, even when everything's falling apart. You don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. And you get it. You've always understood me in a way that no one else has." 

He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. "Well, don't get too comfortable," he teased, a flicker of his usual dry humor returning. "I still think you're an absolute pain sometimes."

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. "And yet here you are, stuck in a cell with me."

"Guess I'm just a glutton for punishment," he said, smirking. 

For the first time in days, I felt a small flicker of warmth - not the bond, not the glow of healing magic, but something simpler. Friendship. 

As the silence settled between us, I glanced at Kian, his presence a small but comforting anchor in the chaos. No matter how much pain I was in, no matter how much I missed Sebastian, I wasn't alone. Not completely. And that small comfort, fragile as it was, gave me just enough strength to hold on for as long as I could.