Chapter 51: Into the Dark

Chapter 51: Into the Dark Ciara's POV Cold. That was the first thing I felt. It bit against my skin and sank into my bones as I started to wake up. Then came the ache in my wrists and ankles. I opened my eyes slowly. Everything was blurry at first. When my vision cleared, I saw coarse ropes digging into my skin. My hands were tied behind my back. My ankles were bound tightly. The panic came next. I was awake. I was tied. And I was afraid. My heart pounded fast in my chest. The scent of pine, blood, and wet earth filled my nose and made my stomach twist. I looked around. I was still in the forest, but this part was unfamiliar. It was nothing like the path by the river or near the pack house. It felt deeper and darker here. More wild. More dangerous. I tried to sit up, but the rop