Uneasy, the rest of the warriors followed. The earlier tension had curdled into dread. As they neared the area, Rydan’s stride quickened, eventually overtaking the beta.
He knew this place. His instincts screamed warnings as the trees gave way to that cursed patch of forest.
It was where they had left me.
But I was no longer there.
Rydan’s sharp gaze swept over the ground, jaw tightening with frustration.
“Where is she?” he snarled, rounding on the beta. “You moved her? Didn’t I tell you not to untie her? What did you do?!”
The beta’s face went pale. He could barely lift his arm as he pointed, voice quivering. “Th-there…”
Rydan followed his gesture.
The soil was soaked dark, almost black with fresh blood. Patches of flesh—raw, torn, unrecognizable—were scattered around. Crushed bone jutted from the mess, gnawed and splintered.
He blinked, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. No… this couldn’t be.
His chest heaved, claws twitching at his sides. His breath came fast, angry.
“Did I not give orders to keep this place clean? This is a sacred punishment ground. Blood draws disease.”
He shot a venomous look at the beta.
“Well? Still not telling me where she is?”