A single harsh bulb swung from the ceiling, casting flickering shadows across the cold room. Leon was tied to a metal chair in the center, his wrists raw from the ropes and face swollen and bruised. Blood trickled from a split lip and a cut above his eye. His shirt was torn, revealing fresh purple marks across his ribs and arms.
Viktor stood in front of him, cracking his knuckles, while two of his men flanked the chair.
"Again," Viktor growled. "Tell us about the classified files your father kept. Blueprints? Anything! Speak, boy!"
Leon shook his head weakly, tears mixing with the blood on his face. "I… I don't know anything… Please… I swear I don't…"
One of the men slammed a heavy fist into Leon's stomach. He gasped, doubling over as much as the ropes allowed, coughing violently.
