The hawk's lifeless body lay a few feet away, the bloodied arrow still lodged in its side. Jareth's gaze flickered to it, his face twisting in despair, knowing the bird's mission had failed, just as he had.
Alaric motioned to the archer, who stepped forward and grabbed Jareth by the arm, yanking him to his feet with little regard for his discomfort. "You should be grateful I'm dragging you to the dungeon and not dealing with you here and now," Alaric said with a sneer, his tone laced with venom. "But don't mistake mercy for leniency. You'll tell us everything, whether you like it or not."
Jareth's protests dissolved into incoherent mumbling as the archer bound his hands tightly behind his back, the ropes biting into his skin. Alaric's sharp eyes never left him, his expression a mixture of contempt and quiet satisfaction. With a satisfied clink, Alaric sheathed his sword and turned sharply on his heel, motioning for the guards to follow.
