Taking Over

Qiang's head throbbed. His vision wavered, and for a moment, everything was a blur, just indistinct shapes and muffled sounds. A sharp pain ran through his body, bringing him back to full awareness.

He was restrained.

Thick, heavy chains wrapped around his arms and legs, keeping him bound to a cold stone floor. His body ached from the battle, deep bruises and cuts stinged with every small movement he made.

The air was damp, and a faint flickering torch barely illuminated the space around him.

He tried to shift, but the chains barely allowed any movement. His heart pounded in his chest, tension creeping up his spine. He wasn't dead…yet.

Then, his eyes adjusted.

A figure sat just across from him.

Liu.

The boy was calm, almost eerily so, sitting in a chair as if he had all the time in the world. His sword rested beside him, and his gaze was locked onto Qiang, watching him like a predator studying prey.

Silence filled the room.