C27 Oaths of the Unbroken

The cold kiss of metal against Aiden’s wrist was the first thing he felt. Chains. Ornate, ancient, and cruelly beautiful—etched with glyphs that pulsed faintly with red light, like veins under skin. He opened his eyes slowly, grogginess melting into dread as he took in the dim room, the flicker of candlelight casting distorted shadows. Damien sat across from him in the gloom