The chill of dawn bit into Thora Valentine's exposed skin, a familiar torment. She lay on the frozen earth of the Bloodmoon pack grounds, her body screaming in protest, every muscle a knot of agony. Twelve hours. Twelve hours chained here, serving the Alpha's punishment.

Her breath hitched, ragged and shallow, as she tried to shift, but the steel chains around her wrists and ankles grated, mocking her efforts. Her lips were cracked, her throat raw with thirst. She was used to this, the relentless cruelty. Just a weak Omega in the strongest pack in the world; this was her inevitable fate.

"What a shame, Thora. Had you accepted my offer, you would have been enjoying the luxury of my mattress right now."

The Alpha's voice, Landon's voice, sent a fresh wave of revulsion through her. He crouched, placing a bottle of water before her, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. "Thirsty, princess? Here, have it."

She knew better. Nothing came free from him. Nothing but pain. He drank most of it, leaving a single sip, then held it to her lips. She met his gaze, defiance burning in her brown eyes. "Stuck it up your ass... you asshole!"

He chuckled, rising. "Okay, princess. If you don't like my generosity, I won't be offering you any." His voice turned cold, fingers gripping her chin. "Twelve hours more and the lashes will be complimentary."

She held his gaze, refusing to break. "Bring it on, Alpha."

He stared for a moment, then left, his shadow receding as the first rays of sunlight pierced the sky, melting the snow around her. Her body trembled, and soon, exhaustion claimed her, dragging her into a deep slumber.