Xavier's body sagged against the cold stone wall, his muscles straining against the silver chains biting into his flesh. The sharp metal seared his skin, leaving gaping wounds that oozed blood. The scent of his own pain filled the air, and yet, he refused to show weakness. He clenched his jaw, biting down hard to stifle any sound that might betray his suffering. Every time the pain became too much, he let his mind wander to thoughts of freedom, to the face of Adrianna.
I have to get out of here, he thought. I can't die here. Not like this.
The heavy iron gates groaned open, their sound echoing ominously through the cavern. Acantha stepped through, her figure cloaked in a flowing dark garment that caught the dim torchlight. She regarded Xavier with a look of detached amusement, her lips curling into a faint smirk.
"I hope you survive this," she said, her voice dripping with mock sincerity. "Good luck."
