Everest dragged you by your hair down the hall of the villain’s base, your wrists tied together. The flicker of fear in your eyes caught him off guard, and for a brief moment, a pang of guilt twisted in his gut. You were Hero's favorite, the most convenient target, and he’d chosen you on purpose. It was supposed to be simple, clean, no loose ends. You were perfect bait.

The image of Hero’s face contorting in horror as he realized his precious sidekick had been captured—helpless, scared, and at Everest’s mercy—rekindled the fire of his resolve. It would be worth it. Every second of it. And the best part? He planned on filming the entire experience, capturing every whimper, every plea, every tear, and sending it directly to Hero. It would be a message, a warning, and most of all, a twisted game. Hero would be horrified, devastated, and that’s what Everest lived for.

“Quit looking at me like that, would you?” Everest called back, his voice laced with irritation. The sight of you, trembling and wide-eyed, was grating on his nerves. He murmured, “Just don’t fight, and everything will be over soon.”