An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Austin's words were calm and almost casual. Yet, they struck like thunder and echoed in the hearts of the three assistant generals of the Red Legion.

If they answered Austin's questions, there might still be a slim chance of survival. But if they refused, death was the only outcome. 3 After all, who would willingly choose death when they had worked so hard to achieve their wealth and status? Yet, pride and dignity held them back. They didn't want to be branded as traitors.

Now, they were caught in a dilemma. Which was more important-their honor or their lives? It was an impossible choice.

"You have ten seconds left. If you don't speak, you'll lose your chance." Austin's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.

His words seemed to pierce their souls, and the three Red Legion assistant generals broke into a cold sweat.

As the countdown neared its end, Auron finally couldn't hold back. "Your Highness! I'll talk-I'll tell you everything." Dropping to his knees, he scrambled forward and was desperate to speak before the others could.

"Traitor! Go to hell!" Viggo roared in fury. With a burst of strength, he snapped the ropes binding him and slammed his palm down on Auron's skull.

A sickening crack echoed through the room. Auron's head exploded like a watermelon, with blood and brain matter splattering across the floor.

"How dare you!" The enforcement team reacted instantly. They drew their swords and pressed them against Viggo's throat to restrain him.

Viggo laughed maniacally. "Go ahead and kill us. We'll never betray Sir Prescott." Austin took the handkerchief from the maid and wiped the blood splattered on his face. His expression remained indifferent. " So, you think that makes you a man of principle?" "What's there to fear? Death is just a small price to pay." Viggo raised his chin defiantly. His face was filled with arrogance. "Besides, I've lived a good life. I've eaten, drunk, and enjoyed myself. Even if I die now, I have no regrets." "Really?" Austin's lips curled into a cold smirk. “If you're not afraid of death, then I'll show you something worse than it." He waved his hand and ordered, "Take him to Grimhold Keep and serve him well. Let's see how long he lasts under the 108 tortures there." As soon as the words were spoken, Viggo's face paled.

He had heard of the notoriety of Grimhold Keep. It was no place for any man to be. Even the toughest men broke once they were sent inside. A single round of punishment was enough to make them confess everything.

If Viggo was thrown inside, survival was impossible. Grimhold Keep was a place where death was preferred, but even that mercy was denied. The thought of what awaited him sent a shiver down his spine, and cold sweat ran down his face.

Rather than endure such torment, he'd rather seek a quick end.

With that thought, a flash of resolve passed through Viggo's eyes. He lunged forward and thrust his throat straight at an enforcement team member's sword.

Having learned from their previous encounter, the enforcement team members were prepared. They quickly withdrew their blades, stepped back, and expertly restrained him while pinning him to the ground.

To ensure he wouldn't try anything else, they snapped his arms and legs before binding him tightly and dragging him away.

"What would you gain by torturing me? If you've got the guts, just kill me. I dare you. "Viggo thrashed and screamed. His voice was a mix of hysteria and fear. But his struggles were futile.

"Putting on a brave face, huh? Do you really think you're skind of tough guy? "Austin sneered.

If Viggo weren't afraid of death, he wouldn't have been captured. When they were surrounded last night, he had two choices-fight to the bitter end or take his own life to preserve his honor. That was the mark of a true man.

But this guy? He got caught, refused to die, and still had the nerve to preach about morality. He was nothing but a hypocrite.

If Viggo hadn't known he was about to be thrown into Grimhold Keep, he'd probably be giving spassionate speech and trying to earn a reputation for loyalty and courage.

The three captured Red Legion assistant generals-one dead, and another was on his way to Grimhold Keep. The last one, Elion Trevane, kneeled on the ground. He was trembling and broke into cold sweat.

He didn't want to die. And he certainly didn't want to end up in Grimhold Keep. He had only followed orders from Connor and Dave to rescue Warrick. He never imagined things would escalate this far, nor did he ever consider himself a rebel. Elion had parents to care for, a wife, and two young children. His life had been full of promise, but now everything had changed.

Being labeled a traitor wasn't just a death sentence for him-it would bring disaster to his entire family. His parents, his wife, his children, and even his relatives and friends would suffer the consequences. What could he do? What should he do? Elion's heart pounded like a drum, and his body shook as if caught in a storm. He had always thought himself a brave man, but faced with the reality of death, fear consumed him.

"You're the last one left. Do you have anything to say?" The devilish whisper sounded in his ears.

Elion stiffened. His face had gone ghostly pale as he slowly looked up, and spoke in a hoarse voice. Y-Your e Highness... know I can't escape punishment. I don't ask for mercy for myself. But if you spare my family, I'll tell you everything." "You're a sensible man." Austin nodded with satisfaction. "Then, let's not waste time. Where is Warrick's hideout? Tell me, and I'll let you live." Elion lowered his head in shame. "I... I'll talk.” For his family's sake, he had no choice but to betray Warrick.