The rough fabric of the hood was yanked from Ethan’s head, the harsh light blinding him for a moment, burning into his already battered senses. His scalp burned, the pressure of the hood leaving a line of raw skin, but it was nothing compared to the ache in his body. His muscles were stiff from days—or was it weeks?—of being immobilized, his limbs heavy and shaking from the constant torment.
His mind swirled, disoriented and exhausted. His throat was raw from shouting and pleading—when he still had the energy to fight back. But now, all he could do was breathe in shallow gasps as his vision finally cleared, the room coming into focus.
Dark, grim faces stared back at him—figures in military garb, eyes cold and merciless. He could tell they weren’t local. Their accents were thick with fore
