Claimed by my Ex-husband's friend
“Ah, Leo. Always the leader. Always the protector. Tell me, how does it feel to fail them? You promised them safety. Look at them now—your friend is bleeding, your beta is burned, your precious Flora is choking on the dirt. You failed them all.”
Leo’s voice was low, trembling with rage. “You will pay for this.”
Valen chuckled darkly. “Maybe. But not tonight.”
He lifted his hand again. Two soldiers dragged forward a heavy wooden bucket. It sloshed loudly. When they tipped it, cold water spilled all over Leo, soaking his shirt, his ropes, the ground beneath him.
Valen reached into the fire pit once more. This time he pulled out a fresh iron rod, glowing white-hot. He lifted it slowly, enjoying