The room was stifling, the air thick with tension as Gareth loomed over his captives. Liana sat bound and seething, her tears of humiliation streaking her face. Across from her, Mira was slumped against the wall, her eyes dull from exhaustion.
Gareth paced the room, his boots scraping against the floor with each deliberate step. “You know,” he began, his tone light but menacing, “I never intended for things to get this complicated. But here we are.”
Liana glared at him through her tears. “You’re a monster,” she spat. “Using us like pawns in your sick game.”
Gareth smirked, crouching down to meet her gaze. “And what are you, Liana? A victim?” He chuckled darkly. “You were more than happy to play along when it suited you. Don’t act like you’re any better than me.”
Liana’s defiance faltered, her lips pressing into a thin line.
Satisfied, Gareth stood and turned his attention to Mira. “And you,” he said, his smirk fading. “You’re the perfect little martyr, aren’t you? Always taking the high road, always so noble. How does it feel to be utterly powerless?”
Mira didn’t answer, her gaze fixed on the ground.
“Thirsty, are we?” Gareth taunted, picking up a bottle of water. He unscrewed the cap, letting the liquid slosh temptingly. “Here, let me help you.”
He stepped toward Mira, but Liana lunged forward despite her restraints. “Don’t you dare—”
Gareth backhanded her, sending her sprawling to the ground. “Stay out of this,” he snapped, his patience thinning.
He returned his attention to Mira, holding the bottle just out of her reach. “Open your mouth,” he ordered.
Mira hesitated, her eyes narrowing in defiance.
“Do it,” Gareth barked, his tone brooking no argument.
Reluctantly, Mira parted her lips. Gareth poured a small amount of water into her mouth, watching as she swallowed. But before he could step back, she spat the remaining water into his face.
The room went silent. Gareth wiped his face slowly, his expression twisting with rage.
“Really, Mira?” he said, his voice eerily calm. “I try to be gentle, and this is how you repay me?”
He grabbed her by the arm, dragging her to her feet. “You’ve made a mistake,” he hissed. “And now you’re going to regret it.”
Liana watched in horror as Gareth’s fury boiled over. She struggled against her restraints, her mind racing for a way to stop him.
“Gareth,” she said, her voice trembling. “Stop this. You’ve made your point.”
Gareth ignored her, his focus solely on Mira.