*****

“Did he talk yet?” Kael queried as he strode through the room which was lit only by a single bulb and reeked of blood and urine, among other unpleasant odors that one would prefer not to describe.

“Not yet, boss,” Val replied, setting down the pair of pliers he was holding—still dripping with thick crimson liquid and bits of flesh that clung to the rust-crusted metal.

“Hmm,” a low rumble resounded on Kael’s chest as he veered his eyes towards the man seated on a wooden ...