The man nodded, then swiftly pivoted the camera. The screen revealed Ethan—tied to the wall of a narrow, shadowed cave, arms stretched wide, shirtless, streaks of blood darkening his skin. His chest heaved with ragged breaths, eyes wide with disbelief and raw fear, darting as if searching for an escape that wasn’t there.
The room went silent, the image seared into every gaze. Damien’s jaw tightened, his usual composure flickering under the shock, a dark glint of grudging respect surfacing in his eyes. Maya’s hand flew to her mouth, her pulse hammering in her ears, awe and horror rooting her to the spot.
Dahlia, sharp eyes unflinching, allowed the tiniest twitch of a smile to break through her otherwise stoic expression, just enough to conceal amusement and maintain authority.
James, Lee
