Damien stood next to the bloodied man, his legs trembling slightly.
Mr. Sokolov looked down at his son with a cold gaze and asked, "Do you know why I'm doing this?"
Damien, swallowing hard, shook his head shakily.
His father's hand flew through the air, slapping him hard across the face. "Answer me with words, you idiot."
Damien's cheek stung, and his eyes watered, but he managed to stammer out, "N-no, Father, I don't."
Mr. Sokolov nodded to the man next to him, who quickly left the room and returned shortly after with a suitcase. He placed it on a nearby table and opened it with a click.
Inside was a golden skull, its surface gleaming under the light. Eight holes were drilled into it, and each hole was supposed to be filled with a golden needle. But instead of eight, there were only seven needles.
