Desperate Measures

Valerie’s POV

The air in the room was thick with the sweet smell of jasmine and the sharp edge of my own fear. My head hurt as I slowly woke up, and the alchemical vial still hurt my nose. The enchanted chains on my wrists and ankles made me feel heavy. They glowed a faint blue in the dim firelight. The black lace and silk dress stuck to my skin and showed more than it covered. The short hem made