"What the f*ck do you think you're doing?" Alberto's voice thundered through the corridor as he caught sight of the guards fastening heavy chains around Gérard.
Gérard said nothing.
Not a word. Not a struggle.
He stood there in eerie stillness, allowing the humiliation as though it meant nothing. The guards didn't stop at him they shackled Vittoria and Alberto as well, binding their wrists before hauling all three of them forward.
They were marched toward the main hall.
At the towering doors, they were forced to halt. One of the guards slipped inside to announce their arrival. Moments later, he returned at a run, nodding to the chief. The massive doors creaked open.
Something shifted.
Gérard rolled his neck slowly, a sharp crack echoing in the silence. His shoulders squared, chest lifting as his entire presence darkened turning lethal. The guard gripping his arm stiffened instantly, as if he'd just realized the kind of beast he was holding.
Beside him, Vittoria smiled.
