Chapter 67

• Jao winced in pain, his body aching from Derrick’s brutal beating. With the deep wounds covering him, he should have passed out by now. But his will to survive kept him awake, refusing to give in.
• Jao had no idea what was happening outside. The thick walls of the basement blocked out any sounds of battle. The heavy chains on his wrists kept him from moving much, their cold metal biting into his skin. He let out a worn-out sigh, his thoughts drifting to Celine and their son. Were they safe? Had they escaped in time? The uncertainty made his chest tighten.
• Suddenly, he heard movement. One of the warriors standing guard stepped forward, his face tense. He knelt beside Jao and reached for the chains, his hands shaking slightly as he gripped them. The other warrior frowned, stepping closer.