As consciousness slowly seeped back into Shinon's battered body, he became aware of the dull throbbing pain that pulsed through every fibre of his being.
His eyelids fluttered open, revealing a dimly lit room with flickering torches that cast eerie shadows upon the stone walls. Confusion clouded his mind until the memories of the brutal fight flooded back, reminding him of his current predicament.
'My painful plan seemed to have worked...' He thought. 'The ropes are tight, but it's all good... ouch...'
Bound to a chair, his wrists tightly secured by rough ropes, Shinon struggled against his restraints but found no reprieve.
His body ached from the injuries inflicted during the skirmish with the bandits. Blood trickled from various wounds, staining his clothes and marring his once-proud appearance.
As he surveyed his surroundings, his gaze fell upon the imposing figure of Stephen, standing before him with a cruel smile playing on his lips.
