Chapter 30: The Torture Begins

Desperation and Pain

As Alex struggled with the ropes binding him, his heart pounded with fear and determination. He could hear footsteps echoing down the corridor, growing louder with each passing second. His hands were raw and bleeding from his efforts, but he couldn't get through the knots in time.

The cell door swung open, and a group of men entered, led by President Crawford. She looked at him with cold, calculating eyes. "Alright, Alex, it is time to begin. Boys, get him up on the table."

Alex fought as best he could, but the men were too strong. They slammed him onto a cold, metal table, strapping him down tightly. The overhead lights flicked on, blinding him momentarily.

"Alright, Alex," President Crawford said, her voice devoid of empathy. "Where is the artifact?"

"I don't know," Alex gasped, his voice hoarse with fear. "I really don't know!"

President Crawford nodded to one of the men, who picked up a saw. The sound of the blade was deafening in the small room. "Let's see if we can jog your memory."

The Torture Begins

The man brought the saw to Alex's skin, slicing through flesh and muscle. Alex screamed, the pain unlike anything he had ever experienced. "Help me! Someone, fucking help me!" he cried, his voice echoing off the walls.

The saw tore through his flesh, exposing bone. Alex's screams grew louder, more desperate. The men worked methodically, their expressions indifferent to his agony. Blood pooled around the table, staining the floor.

President Crawford leaned in closer. "Alright, Alex, it's time you tell us. Where is the artifact of immortality?"

"I don't know, please just stop," Alex begged, tears streaming down his face. His voice was barely a whisper now, broken by sobs.

She shook her head, frustration evident. "I will ask you again, where the fuck is the artifact? You know what, I've had enough. Boys, hand me the eye scooper."

A Horrific Ordeal

Alex's heart raced with terror. "Oh God, please no, don't take my eye," he pleaded, his voice trembling.

President Crawford took the scooper, a cruel smile playing on her lips. She dug it into his eye socket, wrenching the eye free with brutal force. Alex screamed, the pain blinding and all-consuming. "Oh, fuck me!" he cried, his body convulsing with agony.

President Crawford held the bloodied eye aloft, examining it briefly before tossing it aside. "You know what, he won't talk. We can try again later. Clean this shit up," she ordered.

The men began to clean the room, their movements efficient and practiced. One of them leaned close to Alex. "Hey man, just tell her the location, and you won't have to go through any more pain."

Alex's remaining eye filled with tears. "Please, just go," he whispered, his voice broken.

Alone with His Thoughts

The men finished their work and left the room, locking the door behind them. Alex was left alone, the room spinning as he tried to process the pain and horror of what had just happened. His body ached, and his mind was clouded with fear and despair.

He lay on the table, his thoughts racing. How could he escape? How could he protect his friends? The pain was overwhelming, but he knew he had to find a way to survive. He couldn't let President Crawford succeed.

He took deep, ragged breaths, trying to calm his mind. He remembered his training, the lessons he had learned on his journey. Pain was temporary. His will had to be stronger.

As he lay there, a spark of determination ignited within him. He would endure this. He would find a way to escape and protect the ones he loved. He had faced impossible odds before, and he would do it again.

This concludes Chapter Thirty.