The interrogation chamber beneath Delwig's military quarter was built of stone thick enough to drown screams. Torches hissed in the corners, shadows dancing across the rough walls.
Damien stood by the far end of the room, his arms crossed, while General Ivaan paced slowly before the kneeling prisoners — three men in guard armor, their helmets set aside, their faces beaten and pale. Captain Apnoch stood off to the side, arms folded, eyes sharp as razors.
"So," Ivaan began, his voice cold, "you three were stationed on the southern wall when the breach occurred?"
"Yes, sir," one stammered. "We—we didn't see the beasts until they were already on the walls—"
"Liar."
The word came from Damien — low, flat, and final.
The man froze.
Ivaan glanced sideways at Damien. "You're certain?"
