The Life As The Devil's Son

Chapter Fourteen: Desperate Measures

As we emerged from the portal into the chilling underworld, a profound sense of guilt and fear gnawed at me. Tara and Anthony, both unconscious and bound, were dragged along the dimly lit halls of the palace, their fates now entwined with my own.

We finally arrived at the foreboding throne room, and I couldn't bring myself to meet Travis's gaze. Guilt weighed heavy on my shoulders as I placed the chains at his feet. His malevolent presence was suffocating, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

Travis welcomed me with applause, and the sound of his clapping echoed through the cavernous chamber. I could feel his eyes boring into me, dissecting every movement and emotion.

"I see you have completed your mission; well done," he praised with false warmth.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes in response to Travis's false praise. Behind his facade of pride, I sensed nothing but manipulation and malevolence. Every fiber of my being longed to escape this nightmarish situation, but I knew I had to maintain the act to preserve the flicker of light within me.

"Thank you, Father," I replied with a feigned sincerity that mirrored his own.

Michael exchanged a nod of approval, knowing that I was catching on pretty quickly.

Travis, seemingly satisfied with my response, turned his attention to our captives, Tara and Anthony. His gaze bore into them, and I could see the malicious wheels turning in his mind.

"Ah, the shadow witch and her son," Travis mused, his voice taking on a taunting tone. "How delightful. I have some questions that need answers, my dear Tara."

Tara, still groggy from Michael's spell, struggled to lift her head but met Travis's gaze with defiance. "You won't break me, Travis."

My heart sank at her words. Tara's resilience was admirable, but I knew firsthand the horrors Travis was capable of. I couldn't bear to see her suffer the same fate as me.

"Oh, I'm not the one who's going to break you. My son is." Travis remarked with a sinister grin.

Travis' twisted smile sent a chilling message as his eyes landed on me. He intended to use me to break Tara and force her to reveal whatever information he sought.

My gaze shifted from Travis to Tara, and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of fear as my body shivered in dread.

Tara's voice quivered as she addressed me directly. "Austin, please, you don't have to do this. We can find another way."

I couldn't meet her gaze. Instead, I focused on the cold stone floor. I knew I was trapped in a dark, endless cycle, one that threatened to consume every last ounce of my humanity.

Travis, sensing my hesitation, stepped closer to me and gripped my shoulders. "Remember, Austin, your freedom depends on your cooperation. Don't disappoint me again."

I clenched my fists at my sides, and my jaw set in determination. I had to find a way out of this, for Tara, for Anthony, and for myself.

Michael's eyes locked onto mine, and I could sense the weight of his unspoken concern within his furrowed brows. He had been my guiding light in this darkness, but even he couldn't provide a clear path out of this hellish nightmare.

For a moment, we communicated silently, understanding the desperate need for a plan. But Travis's eyes were on us, and we couldn't afford to reveal any sign of resistance.

I took a deep breath, pushing down the terror that threatened to engulf me. With a shaky voice, I addressed Travis, "Tell me what you want me to do."

Travis's smile widened, a sinister glint in his eyes. "I knew you'd see reason, my boy. I want you to use what you learned throughout these past years. Torture her to tell me where the Soul Severance is." Travis whispered into my ear.