Chapter 18: Veronica, Vestige Maid
[Content Warning: The following scene contains graphic descriptions of torture and psychological manipulation. Reader discretion is advised.]
The knight walked into a filthy, smelly prison cell. Inside, prisoners accused of crimes such as tax evasion, theft, witchcrafts and murder were locked in small cages like rats.
The knight uttered, "This way, Bishop Jude."
Behind him, a tall figure followed. This person wore a long, worn coat over a cloak and a battered gas mask with cracked, cloudy lenses. Underneath the cloak, hints of ornate ecclesiastical robes peeked out—deep crimson and black, embroidered with faded gold thread. He had light brown hair. His belt was filled with strange weapons, including a heretic’s fork, crocodile shears, a thumb screw, a scalpel and etc.
Bishop Jude thought, "Darius and his forces have returned with many casualties among the elite knights—valuable resources were wasted. Yet, the duke was not angry. Instead, he praised Darius, promoting him to Commander-in-Chief, and appointed Allen as the Frosted Tower Master."
As they walked, they paused at a certain prison cell and stared at it.
The knight uttered, "Here’s the witch’s slave."
Bishop Jude responded, "You can leave now. I’ll handle this from here."
The girl knelt in her chains, head bowed, her eyes half-closed and distant. Iron manacles bound her wrists and ankles, each linked by short chains that restricted her every movement. Her arms were suspended slightly by the restraints.
Both of her wrist and ankle were matted with blood- the manacles were also lined in small spikes.
The surroundings were dark, the stone walls slick with condensation that never seemed to dry. A single torch flickered in the hallway beyond the iron bars.