Chapter 28
Apr 17, 2025
Damien strode into the underground torture chamber, his boots echoing against the cold stone floor. The room smelled of blood, sweat, and fear—a place meant to break even the strongest of men. Chains rattled as the rogue, barely clinging to life, shifted slightly. His body was a wreck, covered in deep gashes and bruises, his clothes tattered and soaked in dried blood. His right eye was swollen shut, his breathing ragged, but somehow, he was still alive.
Damien stood in front of him, arms crossed, his icy gaze drilling into the rogue. His wolf was barely contained, a growl rumbling deep in his chest. This rogue and his pack had attacked them, killed innocent wolves, and now Damien wanted answers.
“Talk,” Damien ordered, his voice sharp and demanding. “Tell me who sent you here.”
The rogue let out a weak chuckle, though it quickly turned into a painful cough. Blood dribbled down his chin as he struggled to breathe, but despite his injuries, there was defiance in his remaining eye.
“I’d rather die,” the rogue rasped, his lips curling into a weak smirk.
Damien’s patience snapped. He crouched down, gripping the rogue’s chin tightly, forcing him to look into his dark, unforgiving eyes. “Oh, you think death is an escape?” His voice was dangerously low. “I can make sure you don’t get that luxury. You’ll beg for it long before I’m done with you.”
The rogue swallowed hard, his body trembling involuntarily. But he remained silent.
Damien straightened up, his jaw tightening. “Fine,” he said coldly. “If you won’t talk, I’ll make your death slow and painful.”
The rogue flinched but clenched his jaw, refusing to speak.
Damien turned his head slightly. “Xavier.”
His Beta stepped forward, his expression void of emotion. He carried a rusted dagger in one hand, its edge jagged and cruel. He twirled it between his fingers, letting the dim light reflect off the blade.
“I don’t have all day,” Damien continued, his voice filled with controlled rage. “So I’ll ask one last time. Who sent you?”
The rogue hesitated. His body was already failing him. He was weak, his energy draining fast. His pack had abandoned him, and he had no future. Was there even a point in keeping secrets anymore?
Still, his lips remained shut.
Xavier let out a sigh. “Looks like he wants to play tough.” He moved forward and without warning, drove the blade into the rogue’s thigh.
A sharp scream tore through the air. The rogue jerked violently, his body convulsing from the pain, his breathing turning erratic. Xavier twisted the blade slowly, his face devoid of sympathy.
“I can keep this up for hours,” Xavier said in a casual tone, watching the rogue writhe in agony. “You? Not so much.”
Damien stepped closer, his hands resting on the armrests of the rogue’s chair, his face inches away. “Talk,” he barked, his voice dripping with authority. “Who. Sent. You?”
The rogue’s head lolled to the side. His body trembled as fresh blood oozed from his wound. Then, finally, he broke.
He licked his cracked lips, his voice barely a whisper. “Lucien.”
Damien’s entire body stiffened. His breath came out slow, controlled—but inside, his wolf howled with fury.
“What did you say?” Damien demanded, his voice deadly calm.
The rogue coughed, gasping for air. His good eye darted between Damien and Xavier, fear now overtaking his earlier defiance. “Lucien,” he repeated weakly. “Lucien sent me here.”
Damien straightened, rolling his shoulders, trying to rein in the storm inside him. He had suspected it—known it—but hearing it confirmed ignited something dark in him.
Lucien.
