Regardless of the pain, Sylven steadies his stance, his eyes narrowing like twin blades.
Sylven: You'll regret that.
But then, he feels it—the aura swelling around Darok. It's like grey smoke, heavy and oppressive, radiating from him like a storm. Sylven's knees buckle, his body forced down against his will.
Darok eases his gaze, and the aura softens, becoming almost tender. He speaks, his voice calm, almost gentle:
Darok: I don't want a fight.
Sylven: What? Why did you do that then?
Darok: Exactly. Let's have a chat…
[Scene shifts to Xoza]
Xoza, unaware of what's unfolding with his friends, still clings to his belief that the Azure Fangs are keeping their word.
Guard: Want more, rat?
Worms writhe inside both of his ears, each movement sending stabbing, itching waves of pain up his skull. His head pounds, his vision narrows, yet he remains fully conscious, held hostage by relentless torment.
Still, Xoza somehow keeps himself intact. A faint smile touches his lips. Tears streak silently down his face, hidden behind a mask of defiance.
Xoza: I don't care what you do to me… as long as my friends are okay. I'm at peace.
Guard: Then it's time for your friends to—
Xoza cuts him off, his eyes locking on the guard like burning coals, fierce and unyielding.
Xoza: Do whatever you want to me instead of them. Keep your word… or… I will lose control, even in these chains.
The guard falters, a chill crawling up his spine. Pain cannot mask the danger in those eyes.
Guard (thinking): He's dangerous now… I can't let him go…
A tense silence hangs. Then the guard exhales, the rasp of his breath slicing through the room, and begins sharpening his dual rusty knives.
Guard: You should be prepared, then.
Chapter 51 End