The Claw's Penalty: She Survived to Rule Them All

POV: Harlow Love

He didn't shoot. He pistol-whipped me.

White light exploded. The next thing I knew, I was being dragged across the floor, the IV ripping from my arm.

He threw me into the dungeon. The stone floor was slick with grime.

"The cameras were off," Kaden paced, manic energy radiating off him. "Convenient. Confess, and I make it quick."

"I didn't do it!"

He nodded to the Torturer, a massive Beta holding a tray of silver needles.

"Silver burns healing factors," Kaden said coldly. "Show her."

The Torturer jammed a needle under my fingernail.

I screamed until my throat tore. It was liquid fire. My body convulsed.

"She's tough," the Beta grunted.

"She's stupid," Kaden turned away, refusing to watch the result of his order.

Five fingers. My hand was a ruin.

"Enough!"

Lily, the head maid, burst in. She shoved the Torturer aside.

"Are you insane?" she screamed at Kaden. "This is General Love's daughter! Brittaney poisoned herself! I saw her in the greenhouse!"

Kaden froze. "You're lying."

"I raised you, boy! Do I lie?"

Kaden looked at Lily, then at my mangled hand. The rage drained out of him, leaving behind a terrified realization. He had messed up. Badly.

"Clean her up," he muttered, walking out fast. He couldn't face me. He couldn't face what he had done.

I woke up in the attic. My hand was heavily bandaged.

"He whipped the Torturer," Lily said softly, wiping my brow.

"To make himself feel better," I croaked.

"You have to go to the Gala tonight," Lily whispered. "He... he needs to show the pack everything is fine. To save face."

I laughed, a dry, cracking sound. Of course. His image.

"Fine," I said. "I'll go. And I'll watch him burn."