#Chapter 53: Reluctant Torturer

“You will tell me what I want to know,” Caleb growls, voice far colder than he’s ever used with me, even at his most angry. “You will die either way, but the speed of your death is what remains on the table. If you wish to spare yourself any more pain, you will speak quickly.” The bound man raises his chin in defiance, even though it trembles. His voice cracks, “I-I’m not afraid!” Suddenly, Caleb stabs the knife straight down into the bound man’s thigh. The man screams in pain so loud and bloodcurdling that it makes my entire body convulse. The peony slips from my hands. Tristan turns at the movement and sees me. He’s standing outside of the door. Our eyes lock, but he doesn’t say a word. He’s wearing the same bored expression as always. They are both monsters. What a fool I was to think Caleb might have a kind side. He is a bloodthirsty, ruthless villain who does not value anyone’s life but his own. A tyrant. A demon. Fear shatters my mind, quaking through my body. T