The Shadow Knight
The first instruments were almost gentle needles that found nerve clusters, creating exquisite pain without lasting damage.
"Tell me about the shadow cult," Francis continued conversationally as he worked. "Your father's role. Your own initiation."
"There is no cult!" The words emerged between gasps. "We serve the Light! We've always..."
Pain cut off thought. They were artists, these Inquisitors, painting agonies across flesh like masters working canvas. Each sensation carefully chosen, precisely applied, building symphony of suffering that threatened to drown reason.
Hours passed. Or minutes; pain distorted time worse than darkness. They asked the same questions repeatedly, seeking differen