The magical restraints burned against Samantha's wrists like liquid fire, each pulse of energy designed to suppress not just her Hybrid strength but her power-borrowing abilities as well. The ancient bindings were clearly crafted by someone who understood exactly what they were dealing with—someone who had studied their unique supernatural signatures with meticulous care.
She kept her expression carefully neutral as the Council's enforcers marched them through the corridors of the Obsidian Sanctum, though internally she catalogued every detail of their captors. Seven robed figures surrounded them, moving with the fluid coordination that spoke of centuries of practice. Their faces remained hidden beneath deep hoods, but she could feel the weight of ancient eyes assessing their every movement.
