I woke up with a throbbing skull and a bitter taste in my mouth blood, dust, and defeat.
The ground beneath me was hard cement, cold and cracked. My arms ached like they'd been twisted out of place. My back was stiff. My legs refused to respond at first.
Then I moved or tried to.
Chains.
Thick, cold iron wrapped around my wrists and ankles, bolted tight to the floor beneath me. I could barely shift without metal biting into my skin. My body was sore, bruised in places I hadn't even noticed until now.
I groaned and lifted my head.
That's when I saw Aamon.
He was lying not far from me, motionless on the floor. His face was swollen one eye purple and shut, dried blood caked under his nose. His chest rose and fell weakly, but he wasn't waking up.
I crawled closer, only as far as the chains would allow. "Aamon," I whispered hoarsely. "Bro, wake up What happened?"
He didn't move.
I reached for his arm to shake him, but then I heard something.
Footsteps.
Slow. Measured. Confident.
Coming closer.
They stopped right behind me.
A deep chill ran through me. I turned my head the only way I could, and there she stood.
Rose.
She looked like a dream turned nightmare red trench coat over tight clothes, boots laced up to her knees, and in her gloved hands, a thick, polished metal chain.
She was smiling.
"Hey, dog," she said smoothly. "You're awake. I thought you were dead."
I stared at her, disoriented, confused. Her eyes had no softness, no guilt. Just a cruel sparkle.
"I came to give you a way out," she added, cocking her head.
I actually believed her for half a second.
I thought she wanted to talk. To explain. To see me privately, away from cameras and eyes. Maybe maybe this was just a game.
But then it hit me cold, sharp pain across my back.
WHIP!
I screamed through gritted teeth as the chain tore into me. My shirt shredded open, skin burning raw.
She struck again.
And again.
I twisted, trying to rise, but the chains locked me down.
"Rose please"
Another lash.
"I thought we were"
CRACK!
She didn't care. She wasn't here for closure. She was here for control.
That's when he walked in.
Ammos.
He wore designer jeans and a smug grin, like the devil himself watching a soul burn. He was chewing gum, amused, hands in his pockets like this was all a joke.
"You satisfied now, baby?" he asked Rose. "Or do you still wanna play with him some more? You're going harder than I did on that mutt, Aamon."
He kicked Aamon's body without a second thought.
"Where's his other dog?" Ammos continued. "Frank? I've been dying to turn him into dog food. I left a bowl outside for Simba, but he didn't finish it. Since they're poor, I figured I'd do Raiven a favor and let him lick the leftovers."
I didn't reply.
There was nothing I could say that wouldn't sound weak. And I'd already begged once I wasn't doing it again.
But I locked eyes with Ammos, and I didn't blink.
"Still got that look," he muttered. "He don't learn."
Rose stepped closer to me and leaned down. "Your pride's the only thing you've got left," she whispered. "We'll take that next."
Then she turned back to Ammos. "Did Tokota Boys find where Frank went?"
"No," Ammos said, scratching his chin. "Your dad doesn't want Tokota Boys involved. Too loud. He still wants things quiet."
"What about Jerabo Unity?" Rose asked. "They can locate anyone. They'll find him fast."
Ammos paused, and for the first time, a shadow crossed his face.
"No," he said flatly. "If we send Jerabo Unity... he's dead. You remember what they did to Taron?"
Rose's smile faltered.
"Yeah," she said quietly. "They brought back his head."
Ammos nodded. "Exactly. If we call them... it's not a capture. It's an execution."
Rose shrugged. "Then maybe that's what we need. Just post a short notice a bounty. The streets will do the rest."
I stared at them these two monsters casually discussing killing my best friend like it was nothing.
And me?
I was just the first course.
My jaw clenched as the pain from the chain beatings flared in my back again.
This was no longer about betrayal.
It was about erasing me.
Stripping my name.
Breaking my spirit.
Feeding my legacy to the dogs.
And my dream was, to one day marry Rose and have family with her.
But this. This is more than crossing me.
Or cheat on me. The Santana got the news that I was captured. And they are looking for Frank.