Anthony's consciousness surged back abruptly as a torrent of ice-cold water splashed across his face. He gasped, sputtering, his skin prickling with cold and fear. The sharp chill cut through his foggy mind, forcing him to realize his predicament. Heavy chains clamped tightly around his wrists, biting into the skin. He struggled to move, but the restraints held fast, clinking against each other with each desperate tug.
The room was barren and unforgiving. Pale, damp walls pressed in from all sides, the air thick with a musty, pungent smell that made Anthony wrinkle his nose. There were no windows, and only the dim light from a single, flickering bulb overhead cast wavering shadows around the empty space. The only other person present was a man standing silently before him, holding a batte
