The dungeon was silent for two sun downs. Blood had dried on the stone, and the stench of rot clung to the walls. Chains rattled faintly as Azarel's frail body hung limp, his head bowed.
When the iron door groaned open, Gareth entered, torch in hand, his cruel grin cutting through the dark. Behind him came the same blank-faced healer.
"How are you hanging?" Gareth sneered, voice dripping with mockery. His laughter echoed off the damp stone.
He gestured at the healer, who stepped forward. A faint glow pulsed from the healer's palm as torn flesh knit together, blood sealed, and Azarel's tongue slowly regenerated. The pain subsided, but the boy did not speak. His head remained bowed, eyes fixed on the ground.
Amethyst eyes once burning with defiance now reflected nothing—no spark, no flame, only a hollow void.
Gareth crouched, peering into those dead eyes. "Durable, aren't you? The temple needs men. Slaves are dying off too quickly…" He smirked. "You've proven… useful. That's all you are."
He chuckled darkly and left, the healer trailing behind him. The door clanged shut, leaving only chains and silence.
In the shadowed depths of his consciousness, Azarel stood again on that hazy, endless ground. His gaze remained locked to the floor, his shoulders heavy with despair.
Kalel's voice broke the stillness, amused and sharp.
"Oh? What a surprise. A tongue-waggling beast once more. Aren't you happy, child?" His laughter slithered across the dark.
Azarel's head finally lifted, dead amethyst eyes locking on the form. His voice was grim, hollow.
"I don't care what you are. As far as I'm concerned, you're as much a liar as the gods."
Kalel's chuckle was cold, dripping condescension. "Don't mock me, child. I don't lie like those all-powerful fools. I don't hide evil behind veils of righteousness. I bare mine proudly, without deceit."
Azarel's lips curled faintly, not in a smile but in contempt. "You're still worthless. If you're everything you claim, why don't you free us from here?"
The figure leaned forward, its voice thick with amusement. "A tempting offer… but I decline. I'm watching something interesting here. Why spoil it? Or perhaps…" The shadows stirred violently, pressing close. "…you want me to swallow your conscience whole?"
Azarel's body trembled, yet his gaze did not waver. His voice cracked but firm."I have nothing to lose. Get on with it."
Kalel laughed, dark and endless. The sound devoured the silence as Azarel's vision flickered and his mind shut off into blackness.