His vision fades in and out as his head throbs with pain. The last thing he remembers is a sudden, sharp sting at the back of his neck. Now, he’s awake, his body immobilized, and his wings spread awkwardly at his sides, each appendage secured tightly by advanced, glowing restraints. His muscles strain against the unyielding bindings as he shifts, trying to get a clearer look at his surroundings.

The room is dimly lit, its walls smooth and metallic, offering no hint of where he is or how he got there. The faint hum of machinery fills the air, and he quickly realizes that whoever’s behind this is playing their hand carefully. A figure stands in front of him, back turned, seemingly focused on something else. He tenses but doesn’t move—waiting.

“Not so clever now, am I?” he mutters to himself, eyes narrowed in silent determination. He would find a way out. He always did.