---
I stared blankly at the cold floor, my mind reeling from Kael's words. "Obey, or suffer consequences." The threat lingered, a poisonous whisper in my ear.
The door creaked open, and Kael strode in, accompanied by two guards. "Time for your first lesson, Tyler."
I rose, chains clanking, and followed them to a spacious training room. The walls were lined with mirrors, and the floor was covered in a thick, black mat.
"Your education will be...enlightening," Kael said, his eyes glinting with malice. "You'll learn to harness your potential, to bend to our will."
A figure emerged from the shadows – the blonde-haired girl from my memories. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of recognition.
"Emily," Kael said, "will assist me in your training."
Emily's gaze never wavered. "I'll ensure he learns, Kael."
Kael's smile twisted. "Excellent. Let's begin."
The training was relentless – combat, strategy, and mental manipulation. Emily pushed me to my limits, testing my endurance. Kael watched, critiquing every move.
As the session ended, I collapsed, exhausted.
"Well done, Tyler," Emily said, her voice softening. "You have potential."
Kael's expression darkened. "Don't coddle him, Emily. He's a tool, nothing more."
Emily's eyes flashed with defiance, but she nodded.
As they led me back to my cell, I realized Emily might be my only ally in this twisted world.
"Emily," I whispered, as she turned to leave.
"Yes?"
"Who am I?" I asked, desperate for answers.
Emily's gaze flickered to Kael, then back to me. "You're Tyler," she whispered. "But that's not all you are."
The door closed, leaving me with more questions than answers.
---