Chapter 5: The First Mission
Somewhere in the Past — A Dark Cell
A dim, flickering torch cast shadows across a cold, stone chamber. Chains clinked softly. In the center of the room, a boy knelt—naked, bruised, and filthy. His name was Elian.
His collar was rusted, the chain embedded deep into the wall behind him. Flies swarmed around him, feasting on his unhealed wounds. His breath was shallow. The stench of blood, rot, and filth was unbearable—even to himself.
Clack.
The door creaked open. A figure stepped in. Her boots echoed sharply with every step. It was Lyra.
But not the Lyra who stood with pride in the sunlight—this was someone else entirely.
She held a small vial in her hand. The liquid inside shimmered white, like salvation.
Elian’s eyes locked on it instantly.
"Ah... ah...!" He scrambled forward like a starving animal, panting, crawling, desperation in every movement.
WHAM!
Her boot slammed into his chest. He was flung back, coughing violently, gagging on his own breath.