Scalding Agony and a Cold Bargain

The iron door crashed open, and before I could flinch away from the blinding light, rough hands clamped onto my arms and jerked me violently from the freezing stone floor.

"Take your fucking hands off me! I can walk on my own!" I fought against their grip, thrashing my shoulders in a desperate bid to break loose.

The guards completely ignored my protests. They dragged me out of the cell, hauling