By now, Lester was sobbing like a child, broken by the torment, so he finally cried out, "H-He gave us the dark stone and promised us power!"
"And how did the princess get involved in all of this?" Ivan's voice dropped dangerously low as he fought to hold back his rage and not kill the man outright.
Lester stammered, "I-I don't know whose idea it was! I-I was only informed of her abduction late at night and th-that....s-she would be sacrificed to increase our powers. They had been looking to capture a strong lumen for a while, for the ritual to succeed, but I played no part in her being captured! They said her royal blood would suffice, e-even if she was weak!"
His pleas grew desperate as Ivan's grip on his hair tightened, "P-Please spare me! I told you everything I know!"
Alex stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, the others have also confirmed the same."
