Thunder Hallow
Jack's smile grew wider as he extended an offer to Wood. "Join us, son. Leave Thunder Hallow behind. Together, we can achieve greatness."
Wood's expression remained steadfast, his voice firm. "I'll never join you, Dad. You're not the hero I thought you were."
Jack chuckled, anticipating Wood's refusal. "I knew it wouldn't be easy. You've been conditioned to see me as a hero, but the truth is, I was never appreciated. My contributions to Thunder Hallow were overlooked, undervalued."
Wood's eyes narrowed. "That's not true. You abandoned us, Dad. You left Mom and me to fend for ourselves."
Jack's expression turned cold. "Your mother... Eva. She's been quite... cooperative." He pulled out a photograph from his pocket and handed it to Wood.
Wood's eyes widened as he took in the image. His mother, Eva, was bound and gagged, a look of terror in her eyes. The background was unfamiliar, but the message was clear: Jack had taken her.
"Think carefully, Wood," Jack said, his voice dripping with menace. "Join us, and your mother will be spared. Refuse, and... well, let's just say her fate will be sealed."
Wood's grip on the photograph tightened, his mind racing. He felt a surge of anger and desperation, but he knew he couldn't give in.
"I won't join you, Dad," Wood repeated, his voice steady. "No matter what you do."
Jack's smile returned, but this time it was laced with malice. "We'll see about that, son. You have 48 hours to reconsider. After that... Eva's fate will be out of my hands."
With that, Jack turned and walked away, leaving Wood reeling from the shocking revelation.