Meanwhile, a few hours ago-


    "Urghh..."


    Zhao Tian gritted his teeth as each movement sent another wave of pain searing through his battered body.


    The chains rattled with a faint metallic clink as he forced his limbs to obey, dragging himself forward inch by inch.


    Yao Jing lay there, barely clinging to consciousness as her body trembled with exhaustion and pain.


    His fingers curled against the cold, damp stone and nails scraped as he struggled to pull himself closer.


    "Urghh..." His broken ribs grinded against one another with each shallow breath.


    The suffocating weight of the chains held him down, but he pushed on.


    "Jing..." His voice was hoarse from the dryness of his throat.


    She stirred again with a faint twitch of her fingers her bloodshot eyes fluttered slightly.


    The dim crimson glow of the chains reflected in her gaze as she blinked sluggishly.


    Zhao Tian forced himself closer, inching forward until his fingertips brushed against the back of her hand.


    A weak jolt ran through her at the contact and her fingers trembled before they curled slightly in response.


    She was there... she was still with him.


    With what little strength he had left, he lifted his trembling hand and reached for her face, his fingers brushing against her sweat-dampened skin.


    Her body was burning with fever, and her breath came in shallow, pained gasps.


    His heart clenched at the sight, rage and helplessness swirled within him.


    "Jing... wake up."


    Her eyelids fluttered and her lashes trembled against the bruised skin beneath them.


    "Zhao... Tian..."


    He swallowed, suppressing the overwhelming pain gnawing at his body.


    "Stay with me," he murmured, his grip tightening ever so slightly around her fingers.


    "Don’t close your eyes."


    A shudder ran through her as she fought against the weight of exhaustion dragging her down.


    Her lips parted as if to speak, but only a ragged breath escaped.


    Her fingers curled tighter around his own, and the warmth of her touch was barely noticeable through the chill of the air.


    Summoning the last reserves of his strength, he shifted closer, positioning himself beside her as best he could.


    Rhudamanth raised an eyebrow "You want her?"


    Selena’s gaze darkened, her nails digging into her palm. "I need someone to take my frustration out on,"


    "And she is also friends with Velnorah... I can take good care of her."


    Rhudamanth looked at her for a moment before giving a small nod. He knows that Selena must be very angry after the death of Elvoria.


    "Do as you like."


    Selena’s lips curled into a slow, satisfied smirk.


    Zhao Tian’s fingers twitched against the stone floor, and his breath came in short, ragged gasps as his gaze darted to Yao Jing.


    She was barely conscious, her emerald eyes glazed over with pain as her body trembled from exhaustion.


    Yet, when she heard Selena’s words, a flicker of fear passed through her expression.


    She was strong... stronger than most. But in this moment, chained, beaten, and powerless, she could do nothing.


    And neither could he.


    "Urghh.." A rough hand suddenly grabbed his jaw, forcing him to look up.


    Kaelith crouched in front of him, and then, without a word, he gripped Zhao Tian by the neck, lifting him with brutal force.


    The chains clanked loudly as his body was yanked from the ground.


    The sudden motion sent white-hot pain shooting through his limbs and his ribs protested violently as he was dragged across the cold stone floor.


    Zhao Tian clenched his jaw, suppressing a groan of pain, and his vision swam as his body was barely holding on.


    But through the haze, his gaze found Yao Jing’s once more.


    A single tear slipped past her lashes, trailing down her bruised cheek.


    Her lips parted, but no words came out.


    Yet he understood.


    "Tian..."


    His throat tightened.


    "Jing’er..."


    His heart pounded in his chest as he was pulled away, the sight of her beaten body seared into his mind.


    He wanted to reach for her, to fight, to tear apart everyone in this room, but his body was useless. Powerless.


    As the heavy door slammed shut behind him, the last thing he saw was Yao Jing’s emerald eyes... filled with pain, sorrow, and a silent plea.


    ------------------------------------------------


    I hope you guys liked this chapter!