CHAPTER 81
The sight of Ryle—her Commander, her rival, the man who had just taken three bullets for her—reduced to a bloody, broken captive on the screen was a calculated, devastating blow. Lauren’s breath hitched in her throat, the scream dying before it could fully escape. The rage and hatred she felt for Valerius were suddenly eclipsed by the overwhelming terror for Ryle’s life.
“No,” Lauren whispered, the single word thick with horror, her eyes glued to the image of his broken form. The image was perfectly clear, designed to transmit maximum suffering.
Valerius smiled, a wide, satisfied expression, as he resumed eating his antipasti. He did not need to look at the screen; the reaction from Lauren was the only confirmation he needed.
“I see this finally commands your attention, Laur
