Darius looked from the dagger to the jar to his brother's terrified face. He hesitated.
The very thought made his stomach clench, his testicles crawl up into his body.
"But...But I...I..I...But—"
Cassius's smile vanished. He frowned, looking genuinely hurt.
"But what, Darius? But what? You should be dead right now alongside your brother. I'm being merciful. I'm giving you a chance."
Lucius nodded emphatically.
"And yet here you are, hesitating." Cassius's frown deepened "Don't you want to save your brother? Don't you love him?"
He turned to Timothy. "Look, Timothy. Your brother doesn't love you. He never did. He won't lift a finger to save you."
He looked back at Darrius and sighed dramatically.
"Well, if you won't do it, I'll just hang him right now. No more games. No more chances."
Lucius brought out a noose, its hemp fibers glistening with what looked like dried blood.
"NO! I'LL DO IT!"
Darius screamed, the words tearing his throat.
