Chapter 36: Lucian’s Game

The following day begins like any other—cold, sterile, and oppressive. Yet the weight in the air feels heavier, like the facility itself knows something is about to happen. The guards are more alert, their eyes lingering too long on each prisoner. I sense the tension among the Threads; we all know Lucian is aware of more than he’s letting on.

By midday, a summons comes for me. Two guards approach, their faces impassive, and escort me down the labyrinthine halls. My heart pounds in my chest as they lead me not to my usual work station or even the common area, but to a room I’ve never seen before. The door is made of thick steel, etched with symbols similar to those on The Lost Gates. Whatever this is, it’s not routine.

Inside, the room is stark and empty except for a single chair bolted to the floor. Lucian stands in the corner, his posture relaxed but his presence as stifling as ever. His piercing gaze follows me as I step inside, the door slamming shut behind me with a finality that sends a chill through my body.

“Nerina,” he says smoothly, his voice laced with false warmth. “Take a seat.”

I hesitate, but the guards’ silent threat leaves me no choice. I lower myself into the chair, my body tense, my every nerve screaming to run. Lucian steps forward, circling me like a predator sizing up its prey.

“You’ve been busy,” he says, his tone light but his words heavy with implication. “The Threads. Such a quaint name for such futile efforts.”

My stomach drops, but I keep my expression neutral. If he knows, then the Threads are in more danger than we thought. Yet, something about the way he’s speaking feels deliberate—a game, a trap.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply, forcing steadiness into my voice.

Lucian chuckles, a low, menacing sound. “Come now, Nerina. Don’t insult my intelligence. I know about your little group, your whispered plans.” He leans closer, his cold eyes locking onto mine. “But I’m feeling generous today. I’m going to give you a choice.”

I swallow hard, my palms sweating. Choices with Lucian are never truly choices.

He gestures, and a screen flickers to life on the wall. It displays the image of Finn, bound to a chair, his face bruised and bloodied. My heart clenches at the sight, but I force myself to stay composed.

“Your friend here,” Lucian says, motioning to the screen, “has been quite uncooperative. I’ve been trying to… persuade him to tell me everything he knows about your little rebellion. Unfortunately, he’s rather resilient.”

The implication hangs in the air, and I struggle to keep my breathing steady. Finn hasn’t betrayed us—not yet. But how much longer can he endure?

“Here’s where you come in,” Lucian continues. “I’ll let him go, unharmed, if you give me something in return.”

“What do you want?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lucian smiles, his teeth gleaming like a predator about to pounce. “Information. Names. I want to know every single person involved in the Threads. Give me that, and Finn walks free.”

My mind races. The Threads’ safety hinges on secrecy. If I betray them, everything we’ve worked for—everything we’ve sacrificed—will be for nothing. But if I refuse, Finn will suffer, and his blood will be on my hands.

“And if I refuse?” I ask, though I already know the answer.

Lucian’s smile fades, replaced by a chilling calm. “Then Finn dies. Slowly. Painfully. And when I’m finished with him, I’ll find another of your little friends to take his place. This doesn’t end until I get what I want.”

The room feels like it’s closing in, the walls pressing against me. My mind churns, weighing my options. Every instinct screams at me to stay silent, to protect the Threads at all costs. But Finn’s face on the screen… I can’t ignore it.

“Tick-tock, Nerina,” Lucian says, his voice taunting. “What will it be?”

I force myself to meet Lucian’s gaze, summoning every ounce of defiance I can muster. “You’re wasting your time,” I say, my voice steadier than I expected. “I won’t betray them.”

Lucian’s expression doesn’t change, but the room seems to grow colder. He straightens, his hands clasped behind his back.

“I expected as much,” he says. “You’ve always been stubborn. But stubbornness has a cost.”

He nods to one of the guards, who presses a button on a console. The screen shifts, showing Finn writhing in pain as electric currents surge through his body. His muffled screams pierce the air, and I bite down hard on my lip to keep from crying out.

“This is what loyalty gets you,” Lucian says, his tone almost conversational. “But perhaps you need more convincing.”

He gestures again, and the screen changes to show Caleb being dragged into the same room as Finn. My breath catches in my throat. Caleb struggles against his captors, his face a mask of fury.

“Two lives for the price of one,” Lucian says. “Give me the names, and they both walk free. Refuse, and their blood is on your hands.”

The weight of the decision crushes me. Every part of me wants to scream, to fight, to do something. But I know this is exactly what Lucian wants—to break me, to make me doubt everything I stand for.

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to stand. My legs feel weak, but I lock my knees to keep from collapsing.

“You can do whatever you want to me,” I say, my voice trembling but resolute. “But I won’t give you what you want. Not now. Not ever.”

Lucian’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, I think he might strike me. But then he smiles, a slow, chilling smile that makes my blood run cold.

“Very well,” he says. “You’ve made your choice.”

He turns to the guards. “Take her back to her cell. And increase security. I don’t want her causing any more trouble.”

As the guards drag me from the room, I catch one last glimpse of Finn and Caleb on the screen. Their faces are etched with pain, but there’s something else in their eyes—something that gives me strength. Hope.

Lucian may think he’s won, but I’ve made my choice. I won’t break, no matter what he does. And as long as I’m still standing, the fight isn’t over.