The dungeon had no windows.
Only stone. Cold, wet stone that seemed to swallow every sound before it could travel beyond the walls.
Torak sat on the floor with his back against the wall, and his wrists chained above him. His breathing had become slower.
The pain had become worse. The silver liquid was still moving through his body. He could feel it.
The dungeon door opened.
Torak lifted his head.
Eight men walked inside. They were all wolves. He knew it immediately.
Behind them came Alpha Blackfen. He wasn't carrying anything. He didn't need to. His presence was enough.
Torak looked at him.
Alpha Blackfen sighed, almost with concern. "Why do you force me to treat you in such an abominable way?"
Alpha Blackfen stepped farther into the cell. "Why do you choose to suffer?"
Torak lowered his eyes.
Blackfen stopped a few feet away.
"Give me what I want," he continued, "and then you can pick an honorable death for yourself."
