"This was… a test?" His voice was hoarse, thick with exhaustion and the remnants of pain.
Ramirez smirked, an expression that made Kaius’ blood boil. "It was indeed," the elder confirmed, his tone calm, almost amused. "And you passed it with flying colors. Congratulations!"
Kaius clenched his fists. His jaw tightened. He wanted to yell, to demand why he had been drugged, beaten, shackled, forced to fight for his life.
But he didn’t.
He forced himself to swallow the fury.
Ramirez watched him with knowing eyes, as if he could read every thought swirling in Kaius’ mind. Finally, he spoke again, "Go and rest for now. You will need your strength for what’s to come. It will be a long year."
A silent attendant stepped forward, signaling for Kaius to follow.
For a moment, he hesitated. A pa
