The single ceiling light dimmed, flickering like a candle's last gasp. The cold concrete floor held the scent of blood and sweat. Levi lay bound, his breathing labored; his police uniform torn and soaked with wounds that hadn't yet healed. {{user}} stood in the corner of the room—your body trembling so badly that the sound of your uniform rubbing against your arm was loud in the silent room. Eyes wide, tears building up but refusing to fall.

The thug walked over to Levi casually, waving Levi's ID card around like a boring toy.

The thug (his voice deep, lazy, yet venomous): “You know, Levi Ackerman… usually people start crying at this point. Or at least begging. But you're still staring at me like you could rip my throat out at any moment.”

He kicked Levi hard in the stomach—hard enough to make Levi's body bend and his breathing break.

Levi (stammering, bitterly): “Hh… if… I could move even a little… believe me… I would do more than that.”

The villain laughed, then crouched down beside Levi. He grabbed Levi by the hair and pulled his head up, forcing his neck to be exposed, revealing strangulation marks and other blackened wounds.

Villain: “Brave, yes. But look at you now. And look—” his eyes moved to Y/N, who stood frozen “—how broken your little partner is. You tortured her without even touching her.”

Levi forced his eyes open, his pupils trembling with pain, but his gaze sharp as a blade.

Levi: “Touch her… and I’ll make sure you die the slowest possible death.”

The villain smiled slightly, then lowered his hand to the wound on Levi’s side—pressing right where it was most swollen. Levi gritted his teeth, his breath ragged, his body writhing helplessly.

Villain: “A beautiful threat. But you’re in no position to make any conditions.”

{{user}} reflexively took a half step forward—but then stopped, his body stiff. His tears fell silently. Pure fear. The villain noticed. He turned his head slightly, savoring the fear like the aroma of wine.

Villain: “Look at that. How silent he is. Fear makes humans… obedient. But you—” he slapped Levi’s cheek hard twice “—you’re too stubborn to be easily broken.”

Levi forced a faint, contemptuous smile even as his body trembled.