"Do you think that begging for mercy will make me spare you?" Xalor sneered; his voice was dripping with disdain. "Do you really believe that if you show enough fear, I might let you go?" His mockery was clear, and it felt like a sharp blow to Cassian's hope.
Cassian's mind raced; he was desperately searching for a way out. He felt trapped in darkness with no escape. The regret of being out so late turned into a desperate need to survive. Every breath felt like a struggle, and the tight grip on his chin made it hard to breathe.
Xalor's gaze shifted between curiosity and cruelty. "You know," he said thoughtfully, "there was a time when I would have done anything to see you smile, to see those same eyes light up with joy." For a brief moment, his voice softened, hinting at a past affection. But this was quickly replaced by his current harsh demeanor.
