"You think this will break me?" Ethan's voice was hoarse but steady, cutting through the oppressive silence of the prison cell.
Across the dimly lit chamber, Liam leaned casually against the iron bars, his expression smug. "Break you? Oh, no, Ethan. That would be too easy. I'd rather watch you squirm while Avery decides whether to save you or doom you."
Ethan's chest tightened at the mention of Avery. He lunged forward, his chains clanking loudly. "If you hurt her—"
Liam raised a hand, cutting him off with a mocking laugh. "Hurt her? I'm offering her power, freedom… a chance to be more than just your shadow."
Ethan glared at him, his jaw tightening. "She'll never fall for your lies."
"Won't she?" Liam's smirk widened. "You should see her right now, standing before the ritual text, trembling with uncertainty. All it would take is one moment of doubt, one whisper in her ear, and she'll finish what you're too weak to stop."
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