The air in the warehouse was that of the smell of rust and damp concrete. In the center of the room, Ace hung from a thick metal chain, suspended upside down like a broken pendulum. His clothes were shredded, and dark, dried blood matted his hair, but his eyes still flickered with a dangerous light when the heavy doors groaned open.
The guards snapped to attention, their boots clicking against the floor as they bowed their heads. "Sir. Ma'am."
Max didn't stop until he was standing right in front of the swaying man. He looked Ace up and down with a cold, mocking pity.
"Hey, Ace. I came to see you again," Max said, his voice smooth and dangerous. "Did Violet abandon you again? It's been hours, and not even a fly has come to save you."
Ace coughed, a wet, harsh sound that echoed off the high rafters. A drop of blood fell from his chin, splashing onto the floor. He let out a low, croaking laugh. "We were waiting for the show... now that you are here... the show can begin."
