Mattheo knelt on the stone ground, blood painting the floor and walls. His arms were shackled behind him, his face glistening with sweat, exhaustion etched into his features.

“Tell us where she is,” A tall man demanded, sitting in a chair opposite him. He sat casually in Argithian warrior leather, his dark hair messy and beard outgrown.

“I don’t know,” Mattheo croaked, his voice weak.

“Again.” The man instructed someone in the back of the room.

The man stepped forward and with a flick of a wrist, a dagger sliced across Mattheo’s back.

His scream was bloodcurdling, back arching in agony before collapsing forward.

“Please,” Mattheo managed.

“Please?” The man laughed, a cruel sound. “Would you believe this? Mattheo Riddle begging.” He crouched down, face inches away from Mattheo’s.

“Tell us where she is!” He demanded, voice venomous.

Mattheo’s eyes raised weakly, defiance burning in them.

“Fuck you,” He spat in the man’s face.