(R18 – violence, torture, psychological cruelty)
Cassimir's scream echoed through the dungeon until his voice broke.
Iron chains bit into his wrists, the metal etched with ancient runes that burned hotter each time he struggled.
Blood slicked the stones beneath his bare feet, dripping steadily from where his skin had split under restraint and spell alike.
Lucien stared at him his eyes cold and emotionless like a predator watching his prey.
"Who are you working for?," the king said his voice cold as stone. "Don't make ask again."
Cassimir spat blood, his lips trembling. "You'll kill me anyway."
I will but you will give me what I want first.
Lucien stepped closer. The torches bent toward him, flames lowering as if bowing, he raised one gloved hand and pressed two fingers against Cassimir's chest.
The rune flared, Cassimir convulsed.
Pain tore through his nerves like fire poured into his veins but worse than the pain was the memories.
