PROLOGUE. Drip, drip, drip, drip, drip. Fifty, fifty one, fifty two, drip. drip. I winced in pain. I lost count of the water drops dripping from the ceiling. What's the time? What's the day? How long have I been here ? I can't remember because I have lost count of the time and days. All I know is that it's been too long. To long that I haven't seen my family or friends. To long that I haven't seen the outdoors. It's been a long time but I can't remember exactly how long I have been in this hell. I can't remember how long I have been in this cold and filthy room with no window. Nothing apart from these damp walls and a dirty mattress on the floor. There is a toilet in the corner. There is no mirror. I can't even remember what I look like anymore. All I have is a worn tattered dirty dress on my body. I have no shoes. "Oh Moon goddess please help me. Please help me or let me die" I cried helplessly. "Anya child speak to me" My wolf Alexandra whimpered. "Alex I can't take much more. I can't take it any longer. He won't even let me die." I sobbed. "I know child but you must stay strong. You are strong Anya and we will make it through this" Alex whispered. "No we won't. He will never let me leave. Never" I cried feeling sorry for myself. Bang. Oh no I thought his back. I heard his foot steps coming down stairs. I tried to move but the pain in my back hadn't healed from the earlier lashing he gave me. His footsteps were getting closer and closer until they stopped outside the door. The bolts were being opened one by one. "Anya I'm sorry. I'm sorry child" my wolf whispered quietly before disappearing into the darkness. The door opened and there he stood in the shadows. It was dark but I could make out his silhouette. I started to tremble in fear knowing what was coming. Here in the shadows stood my mate.