The clamoring of chains echoed from somewhere in the distance, dragging attention toward the bloodied figure struggling in the dim room.
Xavier's eyes fluttered open as a sharp grimace crossed his face. The metallic taste of blood coated his lips. He tried to move his hands, only to feel the brutal restraint digging into his wrists. The moment he struggled, the chains jerked tight, biting hard into torn skin and forcing a hiss from him.
"Hnn…"
He bit down on his lip as pain coursed through his body. This was not the first time he had suffered, but there was something different about this agony. It was deeper, more vicious, as if meant to break not just flesh but pride.
"Fuck!"
His eyes squeezed shut before opening again, trying to make sense of where he was. Yet nothing around him offered answers. Only darkness. Only silence. Only the cold breath of emptiness.
