Ardyn struggled to remain standing.
His legs trembled under his weight, threatening to give out at any moment.
Each breath he took was shallow and strained, as though even the simple act of breathing had become a burden too heavy for his weakened body.
Since the day they were brought to this place, they had never once been allowed to leave the dark, suffocating tunnels of the mine.
There was no rest.
No mercy.
Worse still, they were given neither food nor water.
Instead, they were driven forward by the crack of whips, forced to mine endlessly like beasts. Those who slowed down were punished. Those who collapsed were dragged aside like useless trash.
Ardyn did not know how much longer he could endure such torment.
His body was already at its limit.
It was only a matter of time before he collapsed like so many others.
His gaze shifted to the woman beside him.
His wife.
Once, she had been radiant—full of life, warmth, and beauty.
Now…
