23. Shackles of Silence

The prison guard, summoned by Damon, entered the room, his stoic expression revealing no hint of sympathy. Lia's eyes widened with fear as she watched the guard approach her father, the shackles clinking ominously. "Dad, I..." Lia's voice trembled, emotions swirling within her. She reached out to touch Walton's arm, but the guard intervened, forcefully separating them. "It's time, Walton," the guard stated flatly, his grip firm on Walton's arm. Damon's eyes bore into Lia, a simmering anger beneath the surface. Lia, desperate to hold onto the last shreds of her father, pleaded with Damon, "Please, Damon, don't do this. He's still my father." Damon's gaze remained unyielding. "He must face the consequences of his actions, just as I have." The guard escorted Walton out of the room, leaving Lia alone in the chilling aftermath of the revelation. She sank to the floor, a whirlwind of emotions overwhelming her. Meanwhile, Damon's frustration festered as he discovered Lia's escape. The m