Chapter 27 · Playing with Hounds

"Hold still, little rat. This is going to hurt," the beast growled, its voice sounding like two slabs of granite grinding together.

I didn't hold still. I spat a glob of blood right into the monster's eye. The thing was three times my size, a mutated marrow-hound with skin like cured leather and teeth that could snap a femur like a dry twig. It roared, the sound vibrating in my own chest, and slammed its massive paw down.

I rolled, the concrete floor scraping my shoulder, but I was too slow. The hound’s claws caught my thigh, ripping through fabric and skin. I gasped, the cold air hitting the raw wound. My vision flickered. The Devouring Bone inside me was screaming, not in pain, but in hunger. It didn't care that I was bleeding; it wanted the marrow inside the beast.

"What's the matter?" I wheezed, clutching my leg. "You hit like a puppy."

"You're a glitch in the system, boy," the hound sneered, leaning in so close I could smell the rot on its breath. "A mistake that should've stayed dead. Victor wants you broken before he collects you. I think I'll start with your ribs."

It lunged.