Betrayed by Blood
The stench of rot and damp walls clung to the air. Hugh sat against the cold wall, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached. His body was now bruised and filthy, stripped of the power he had carried for years. Across from him, Lucian stared with pure, undiluted hatred, his clothes torn from the months he had spent locked up. His mother sat beside him, her arms wrapped protectively around Lucian's sick father, whose breathing was shallow and wheezing.
Lucian's eyes burned as he finally spoke, his voice hoarse but filled with bitterness. "This is your fault."
Hugh's fingers twitched.
"You stole my pack. My people. My future. You murdered those who refused to bow, and for what?" Hugh exhaled sharply through his nose, his patience fraying. "Shut up, boy."
Lucian ignored him, his anger spilling over. He was betrayed and tossed aside like a damn dog, like he was worthless. All for what? "Was it worth it? Look at where you are now. Look at you."
