Williams breath hitched the moment
Tusky fingers touched his chin.
Not because it hurt.
But because it didn't.
Tusky Volkov didn't touch people gently.
So why now?
The room felt smaller. Heavier. Like the walls were listening.
William forced himself to hold eye contact.
"I said I'm not afraid," he repeated, quieter this time—but still stubborn.
A pause.
Then—
Tusky's lips curved slightly.
Not a smile.
Something worse.
Amusement.
"You talk too much for someone in your position," Tusky said calmly.
William jerked his chin away, breaking the contact.
That should've been a mistake.
A big one.
The guards in the room tensed instantly.
But Tusky raised one hand slightly.
And they stopped.
Just like that.
William noticed.
His stomach tightened.
Control.
Not fear.
Not anger.
Control over everything.
Tusky stepped closer again, circling him slowly now like he was observing a weapon he hadn't decided to use yet.
"You broke three of my men," Tusky said.
William stiffened slightly.
"They deserved it," he muttered.
That earned him a quiet exhale from Tusky.
Almost like… approval.
"You hit back even when you knew you'd lose," Tusky continued. "Stupid."
A beat.
"Or brave."
William looked up sharply.
"Why am I here?" he demanded.
Tusky stopped walking.
Silence stretched.
Then Tusky leaned in slightly, voice dropping lower.
"Because someone sold you," he said.
William froze.
That hit deeper than any punch.
His expression flickered—just for a second.
Betrayal.
Tusky noticed everything.
"Now," Tusky continued, "you belong to a system that will either break you…"
He paused.
His eyes locked onto William again.
"…or make you useful to me."
Williams fists clenched.
"I don't belong to anyone."
For the first time—
The room didn't respond immediately.
Even the guards held their breath.
Tusky stared at him for a long moment.
Then he stepped even closer, invading every inch of space left.
So close William had to tilt his head back slightly.
And Tusky said softly:
"You will."
A beat.
Then—
He turned slightly to the guards.
"Prepare him."
Then William's eyes widened.
"Prepare me for what?"
Tusky didn't look back.
"Your new life."
The door began to open again.
Cold air rushed in.
But before William could be taken—
Tusky voice stopped everything.
"One more thing."
Silence.
Tusky glanced over his shoulder.
And for the first time, his tone changed slightly.
Not softer.
But sharper.
Personal.
"If you run again…" he said, "I won't bring you back gently."
A pause.
Then the door shut behind him.
And then William realized something terrifying—
He wasn't captured by force.
He was chosen.