Chapter 20: Tommy

Thomas sat in the small, dark cage, the cold metal bars pressing against his back. The dim light from a single torch flickering outside the cell did little to warm the damp air around him. He had been here for what felt like hours, possibly days, with nothing but his thoughts and the occasional murmur of Cane's crew to keep him company. His hands were bound, and every movement was restricted, making him feel even more trapped.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor, growing louder until Victor Cane appeared at the cell. His imposing figure, cloaked in darkness, loomed over Thomas as he approached. The faint light from the torch cast a menacing shadow across Cane's face, highlighting his cruel smile.

Thomas looked up defiantly, his eyes meeting Cane's with a mix of defiance and frustration. "You know if you said that I need to be convinced before I donate my blood or somewhat, that won't work by locking me up in a cell. Just so you know that."

Cane chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with malice. "Oh, Thomas, you have such spirit. But this isn't about convincing you. It's about ensuring that you remain... motivated."

Thomas scowled, his frustration evident. "Motivated for what? You think locking me up is going to make me more willing to help you?"

Cane's smile widened. "You're a valuable piece in this game, Thomas. Your stubbornness is admirable, but it's also a weakness I plan to exploit. You see, you're not just any prisoner. You are the key to something far greater."

Thomas frowned, confused. "What are you talking about? I don't have anything to give you."

Cane leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. "You don't realize it yet, but you hold the last piece of the puzzle. Your connection to that treasure, to the map—it's all part of a much larger plan. And whether you like it or not, you're going to help me achieve it."

Thomas struggled against his bonds, his anger rising. "You think you can just lock me up and force me to help you? I'll never—"

Cane interrupted with a cold laugh. "You don't have a choice. You see, while you're in here, the world outside is changing. Your friends, your crew—they're scrambling, desperate to save you. They'll make mistakes. They'll be vulnerable. And in their desperation, they'll come to me."

Thomas glared at Cane, his frustration boiling over. "You won't get away with this. They'll find a way to get me out."

Cane's expression turned serious. "Oh, I'm counting on it. But by the time they do, I'll have everything I need. And you'll be right where I want you."

"So everything we'd said is all a lie. Your name isn't even Fredrick?"

Cane stopped in his tracks, the briefest flicker of sadness crossing his face before he scowled again. He turned back to face Thomas, his expression hardening. "Thought I'd put much effort into the whole Fredrick thing, but you people were fools to easily believe me."

Thomas's eyes widened in shock. "You're telling me you were lying to us the whole time? Everything we went through, it was all just a game for you?"

Cane's lips curled into a smirk. "Precisely. The persona of Fredrick was merely a facade. It allowed me to get close, to manipulate, and to set my plans into motion. You and your crew were pawns in a much larger scheme."

Thomas struggled against his restraints, anger and confusion mixing in his voice. "But why? Why go through all this trouble? What do you want?"

Cane stepped closer to the bars, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "What I want is power. Control. The treasure is merely a means to an end. By obtaining it, I can unlock powers beyond your comprehension and bend the world to my will."

Thomas glared at him. "And you think locking me up and deceiving everyone will help you achieve that?"

Cane's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "Oh, yes. Everything is falling into place perfectly. Your friends will be driven to make mistakes, and while they're distracted, I'll seize what's rightfully mine."

Thomas's resolve hardened. "You won't win. We'll find a way to stop you."

Cane's expression grew colder. "You're welcome to try. But while you're stuck here, my plans will continue to unfold. And by the time your friends realize the full extent of my machinations, it will be too late."

Thomas clenched his fists, frustration and determination battling within him. "We'll see about that."

Cane gave him one last, cold look before turning and striding away, his steps echoing ominously in the dark corridor.