Deep beneath the iron-plated streets of Aether’s capital, in the bowels of the city’s most secure prison, the air was thick with the stench of blood and despair. The walls of the underground facility were lined with damp stone, the only light coming from flickering mana sconces that cast long, jagged shadows across the floor. This was the Dark Gallows, a place where Aether’s enemies were broken, their spirits crushed under the weight of pain and fear.

At the center of the chamber stood Derick Altrow, his massive frame silhouetted against the dim light. His face was a mask of cruel satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with a manic intensity as he loomed over the prisoner strapped to the metal table. The man—a member of the resistance—was barely conscious, his body covered in bruises and lacerations, his breathing shallow and ragged.

Derick leaned in close, his voice a low, guttural growl. “You think you’re brave, don’t you? Standing up to Aether. Fighting for your little cause. But you’re not brave. You’re stupid.”

The prisoner groaned, his head lolling to the side as he tried to speak. “You… you won’t break me.”

Derick’s lips curled into a twisted smile, and he reached for a nearby tool—a jagged, mana-infused blade that pulsed faintly with energy. “Oh, I will. And when I do, you’ll beg me to stop.”

He pressed the blade to the man’s chest, the mana crackling as it seared into his flesh. The prisoner screamed, his body convulsing as the pain ripped through him. Derick laughed, the sound echoing off the stone walls like the howl of a predator.

“That’s it,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery. “Let it out. Scream for me.”

The prisoner’s cries grew louder, his voice hoarse and broken. Derick leaned in closer, his breath hot against the man’s ear. “You think your friends are coming to save you? They’re not. They’ve abandoned you. Just like everyone else.”

The door to the chamber creaked open, and Prin Keli stepped inside, his crisp white shirt a stark contrast to the grim surroundings. His blond hair was perfectly styled, his expression calm and composed, as if he were walking into a boardroom rather than a torture chamber. He adjusted his cuffs as he approached, his piercing blue eyes flicking over the scene with detached interest.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

“Derick,” Prin said, his voice smooth and measured. “I see you’ve been busy.”

Derick straightened, his grin widening as he turned to face Prin. “Just having a little fun. This one’s got a strong will. But don’t worry—I’ll break him soon enough.”

Prin nodded, his gaze shifting to the prisoner. “And what have we learned so far?”

Derick shrugged, his tone casual. “Not much. He’s stubborn. But he’ll talk. They always do.”

Prin stepped closer, his polished shoes clicking against the stone floor. He leaned over the prisoner, his expression cold and calculating. “Let me try.”

Derick stepped back, his grin never faltering. “Be my guest.”

Prin studied the prisoner for a moment, his gaze sharp and unyielding. Then he spoke, his voice calm but laced with menace. “You’re wasting your time. You think your silence will protect your friends? It won’t. We already know where they are. We know what they’re planning. The only thing you’re doing is prolonging your suffering.”

The prisoner’s eyes widened, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. “You’re lying…”

Prin’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Am I? Tell me, do you really think Skyla Mellow can protect you? Do you think she can protect anyone?”

The prisoner’s resolve wavered, his body trembling as the weight of Prin’s words settled over him. Prin leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You have a choice. You can keep suffering, or you can tell me what I want to know. And if you do, I might even let you live.”

The prisoner hesitated, his eyes darting between Prin and Derick. Finally, he nodded, his voice barely audible. “What… what do you want to know?”

Prin straightened, his smile widening. “That’s better. Now, let’s start with the names of your contacts in Grieg’s Lair.”