A failed parent

In the dimly lit chamber, Reynard stood, wrestling with the tumult of emotions churning within him. His fingers trembled, clutching the thorned whip, its serrated edges glinting malevolently under the faint glow of torchlight. The weight of Alex's revelations bore down upon him, conflicting with his lifelong beliefs and values. His mind swirled with confusion, torn between the trust he had vested in his mentor and the shock of this stark betrayal.

As the seconds stretched into an eternity, his inner turmoil surged into an overwhelming rage, a tempest brewing within his chest. The whip, an extension of his fury, lashed out with a ferocity born of betrayal and indignation. Its thorns whistled through the air, aimed at Alex, seeking retribution for the shattered illusions and the wounds inflicted upon his soul.