"W...why? Why?" Rin questioned with his trembling voice as he stared at his throbbing foot. "Why are you so keen on making my life so miserable?"
Evan's voice was soft, almost gentle, as he forced Rin to meet his eyes.
"Miserable? This is simply to keep you from running. Once we get to the capital, I'll call a healer. Until then, endure the pain."
"Go. To. Hell," Rin rasped, his voice shaking but fierce, his eyes blazing with defiance.
Evan's grip tightened on Rin's chin, hard enough to bruise.
"Change your words... or I'll break the other one."
Rin's lips curled into a grin despite the tears burning in his eyes. He said nothing, his silence was a challenge itself.
For a moment, Evan studied him, his expression unreadable. Then he smirked and pushed Rin back, cutting the ropes around his wrists with a flick of a small blade.
"Dinner will be brought to you. Stay here and don't fucking move."
