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Warning: This chapter contains graphic depictions of violence, torture, and intense emotional distress. Reader discretion is advised.
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Aelorion, Xanvoria;
Shadow Ruins, 20:40;
"Urgh!" A strangled grunt escaped Rong Yufan's mouth as flickers of consciousness clawed their way back.
He winced, a sharp pain slicing through his skull as he forced his eyes open. Where the hell was he? Everything was a haze—his thoughts sluggish, disoriented. The last thing he remembered was getting pummeled relentlessly in that hotel suite. He had tried to retaliate, to hold his ground, but that monster… that damn beast had crushed him with humiliating ease.
His vision swam, and before he could make sense of the blood-choked cough echoing nearby or the faint metallic clang of something hitting the floor, a glimmer caught his eye—a muted glint of gold.
Wait. Was that a chair?
