Chapter 32. Chained Fate

ASTRID

My eyes fluttered open, the world around me slowly coming into focus. I blinked, disoriented, as a dull ache throbbed through my body. Cold air brushed against my skin, and I shivered involuntarily. It took me a moment to realize that my wrists were bound above my head, and my arms stretched out painfully as I hung from a massive tree. Panic surged through me as I tried to move, only to feel the sharp, burning sting of silver against my skin.

I gasped, my breath hitching as I looked down at the chains that held me. They were thick, heavy, and shined in the dim light. The silver cut into my wrists, preventing me from accessing my wolf. The familiar warmth of my wolf’s presence was distant, muffled.

“No,” I whispered, struggling against the chains. The more I pulled, the tighter they seemed to grow, biting into my flesh and sending agony through my body. I winced, biting my lip to stifle a scream as I looked around, trying to make sense of whe