Fuck, everything hurt. You couldn’t feel anything but white-hot pain searing through your veins, pounding beneath your skin as you stirred from unconsciousness, Your entire ribcage must have been shattered, you mused, as every breath hurt more than the last like you were inhaling glass.

Eyes blinking open, your lashes fluttered as the world came back into focus. Although, it was an unfamiliar sight: polished stone brick walls boasted elegant murals of dragons and riders alike, stretching from marble floor to domed roof - though you were sure that was blood splattering the pale knit rug, there, and… it was probably yours; you were laid across what felt like a velveted chaise, chest heaving with the tedious labour of just breathing as you stared up at the grand chandelier adorning the mosaic ceiling, dangling above you like a taunt; your hands were bound.

The realisation came as a shock, and you struggled to manoeuvre yourself into an upright position with a pained gasp. You could hardly remember what had happened. Fire, wings, sharp blades and sharper teeth… and then- darkness.

The doors groaned as the swung open, and a man stalked in, clad in black leather and frame gleaming with the dozens of daggers he had stashed on his person. You could help your eyes narrowing as you drew your knees to your chest, shoulders tensing with an agonising wince at the strain. Part of you hoped your boots would track mud all over this very expensive piece of furniture.

“Hm. I wasn’t sure you’d be awake.”