****
Adrian stood alone in the Leader's office, the shadows curling around him like smoke from an unending fire. The flickering lantern on the far wall cast golden streaks across his face, highlighting the sharpened edge of his jaw and the cruel curve of his mouth.
He leaned back against the massive desk, his desk now, and let his mind drift to the woman who would soon be dragged before him.
Varya.
Red haired. Fierce. Loyal to Kieran Valerius Hunter to the point of idiocy.
His smile deepened as he imagined her chained before him. imagined her fire dimming under his hands, her anger becoming fear, her loyalty cracking piece by piece as he peeled apart her mind and body both.
He had so many plans for her.
She was a Lycan, after all. And Lycans were famously difficult to break, unless someone knew exactly where to apply pressure.
Adrian exhaled slowly, savoring the anticipation.
He loved this part.
The waiting.
The promise of control.
Just then....
A sharp knock.
