Chapter 10 · She Walks In Alive

"Get your hands off me, or I'll rip them off," Ella spat, though her voice lacked its usual bite.

The security head didn't even blink. He just tightened his grip on her elbows, dragging her across the polished marble of the Grand Hall. The cold stone echoed with the scuff of her boots, a sound that drew every eye in the room.

"Look at this," the security head announced, his voice booming through the hall. "The prodigal sacrifice returns. Or whatever's left of her."

Ella scanned the room. The elders sat in a semi-circle of high-backed velvet chairs, looking down at her like she was a bug they were debating whether to crush. And there, in the center, stood Lucas. He looked perfect—tailored suit, gold cufflinks, and a smirk that made Ella want to carve her name into his chest.

"Is this some kind of joke?" Lucas asked, stepping forward. He didn't look at her eyes; he looked at her ragged clothes, his lip curling in disgust. "I thought the Void took care of the trash."

"Missed a spot, Lucas," Ella retorted, trying to stand straighter despite the bruise forming on her arm. "Did you miss me?