I Promise You Pain

Lord Terrace stood still, the wreckage of the courtyard around him proving the chaos that had already unfolded.

Dust settled in the air, and the echo of splintering wood, collapsing stone, and dead bodies faded into the distant noises of the city.

Across the courtyard, Paul Haylen's panicked eyes darted around for any route of escape. The reality of his predicament was sinking in fast, but fear had yet to override his arrogance. Without hesitation, Paul turned and bolted deeper into the manor grounds.

"Let's play." A small smile—a cold, knowing curve of his lips—flickered across Lord Terrace's face. He took one slow, deliberate step forward, then another.

There was no rush; this was not a chase but a foregone conclusion. Damon stood to the side, watching his father with a mix of awe and apprehension. He had seen his father fight before, but that was a spar. This was different! This was a predator playing with its prey.