Thalia’s POV
I finally made it to the basement after what felt like climbing a billion stairs. My legs ached, and my face was drenched in sweat. I paused at the last step, taking a moment to catch my breath before opening the heavy basement door.
There he was, sitting on the cold floor, chained and lifeless. Zev’s head hung low, his usual sharp demeanor gone. The sight of him like this made my chest tighten, and a frown tugged at my lips.
Slowly, I walked toward him. “Zev,” I called softly, almost unsure. “Are you there?” I cringed at the question. Of course, he was there. Where could he possibly go, chained like that?
Zev lifted his head, and our eyes met. His piercing green eyes locked with mine, and he tilted his head to the side, studying me with that same unnerving calm. “You jus
