Chapter 29 · Old Debts, New Blood

"Get your hands off me, you piece of trash!"

Kael’s voice cracked as he scrambled backward, his boots slipping on the damp stone floor of the vault. He looked pathetic—sweat beading on his upper lip, eyes darting toward the exit. He was the same guy who’d laughed while they stripped Cain’s marrow years ago. Now, he was the one shaking.

Cain didn’t blink. He stepped forward, the sound of his boots heavy and rhythmic. He didn't just walk; he stalked. His hand reached out, fingers curling around Kael’s throat with a speed that defied the heavy, stone-like texture of his skin.

"You’re shaking, Kael," Cain whispered, his voice a low rasp that sounded like grinding shale. "Is it the cold? Or do you remember the way you held the knife?"

"I—I was following orders!" Kael gasped, his face turning a bruised purple. "Victor made us do it! I didn't want to!"

Cain squeezed. Just enough to make the words struggle to come out. "Funny. I don't remember you complaining about the bonus you got for my marrow. How's that spending? Still buying fancy wine and silk robes?"

"Please... Cain... we were friends...