Now, Cassius stood in a dim, stone-walled basement lit by torches. Before him were rows of women—dirty, chained, trembling, their faces streaked with tears and dirt.
"You're all mine now." The Cassius on the projection said cruelly. "Your families, your husbands, your brothers—they all cry for you. But who would've thought you'd be right here instead...beneath my feet."
He leaned closer to one of the women, brushing a strand of her hair aside with mock tenderness.
"Get used to it." He whispered. "Because this is your life now."
Gasps echoed through the hall.
The nuns' faces turned white with shock. Even Joy's stoic facade cracked for a heartbeat. Aqua took a step back, shaking her head violently as if refusing to believe what she was seeing.
"No…" She whispered. "No, that can't be—!"
Her eyes darted to the real Cassius standing before her, who simply smiled faintly, as though watching a comedy play out.
The projection continued.
