Bab 274: 274. Fragmented Truths (2)

Marvoni's breathing was ragged, his chest heaving as the reality of his situation began to fully settle in. His eyes darted wildly, searching for an escape that didn't exist.

"You bought a child with Dragon's features," I repeated, my voice a cold blade cutting through the air. His eyes snapped to mine, wide with terror, but his lips trembled with resistance.

"I want the truth. If you dare lie, I'll snap your fingers one by one," I warned, letting my words linger, heavy with menace. My Dragon's Presence filled the air around us making it hard for him to breath.

"I-I... I don't know—" he stammered, but his denial was cut short when I gripped his forefinger and twisted it sharply. The crack of bone breaking echoed in the cell, followed by his anguished scream. Blood trickled down his hand, staining the dirt floor.