CH 21
The iron door slammed shut behind Ethan with a deafening clang, echoing down the cold stone chamber.
Aria’s heart stuttered.
Her sister’s muffled sobs cut through the air like shattered glass.
And in the center of the room, Lucas stood, calm, sinister, as if the chaos around him were a stage set for his own amusement.
Ethan’s eyes locked onto him.
Blood dripped from the cuts along his jaw and ribs, but nothing in his stance betrayed weakness.
If Lucas had hoped to intimidate him, he would fail.
“Leave her,” Ethan growled, his voice low, deadly.
“Now.”
Lucas smiled, tilting his head.
“Ah… the hero returns. Too late to save her. But I admire your persistence.”
Ethan’s fist tightened, veins visible along his forearm.
“I won’t ask again.”
“Good,” Lucas said softly, almost
