Luciana's POV

I stepped through the dimly lit passage leading to an iron gate. With a firm push, the gate creaked open, revealing a man illuminated by a harsh light. He was shirtless, chains binding both his arms and legs, and blood smeared across his battered body.

My gaze drifted downward, skimming over the weapons scattered across a cold metal table. “Your torturer must be easy on you,” I remarked, inching closer. Slowly, he lifted his head, revealing a face swollen and ...