Vlad pulled Hein's hands behind his back, forcing his elbows together and making his chest bulge. Hein groaned in pain.
"Before I speak, is there anything you want to say to me?" Vlad asked calmly. But his voice only made the already tense atmosphere even heavier.
Hein took a deep breath, his heart racing. He couldn't admit he had locked Kai up. Vlad wouldn't be pleased. He didn't want to die like the slave who had died that morning.
Vlad tightened his grip on Hein's elbows.
"Arghhh, h-hurts, M-Master…" Hein stifled a groan, his voice choked. His shoulders ached, his arms throbbed with pain.
"So, you won't say anything?"
Hein was terrified. Though his body was fairly sturdy—like most slaves—he was nothing in front of Vlad. Vlad's tall, imposing figure made Hein seem small and weak.
Even just one sentence from Vlad left him helpless. What did Vlad want to know? Did he know Hein was the one who had locked Kai up?
