Chapter 33: The Jester

"Let's start with you, pretty girl," the man who had entered announced, his tone dripping with a malicious intent that sent shivers down Serena's spine.

"Where's Aaron!?" Serena's voice erupted in a mixture of desperation and rage, her attempt to move hampered by the unyielding cuffs that bound her to the unforgiving chair.

"Whoa, easy down there," the man responded, his smirk revealing a cruel pleasure in her distress. "He is alive... for now." The words hung in the air, heavy with an ominous promise. "So you're one of the citizens from that sorry city?" he taunted, his eyes narrowing as he sized her up.

Serena's gaze didn't waver, her determination unbroken. "I'm sorry for what happened there, but you know breaking the cardinal rule," he sighed, the hint of exasperation in his voice giving way to something darker. "Is so fucking stupid."