Chapter 25. The Ascender

CYRUS

My flesh squeals as a bucket of cold water is emptied on me. I gasp for air, willing my lungs to dilate more, but my body shivers, my windpipe seemingly blocked for a moment that seems like an eternity.

“Rise and shine, son of a bitch!” A battle-laden baritone voice hollers, and I blink severally to clear my view as his outline unfolds before my eyes. Plastered on his face is a mischievous smirk, a testament to the fact that he is enjoying the agony he unleashes on me.

I try to move, but the heavy metal chains tying my limbs to the wall remind me of my pathetic condition. I have been standing for what seems like a million hours, and now several intensities of deep-seated aches trail my bones, muscles, and joints. The fact that I even managed to fall asleep while on my feet is a slight relief. However, this prison warden seems to be intentional about not wanting me to enjoy it.

A pungent smell constantly corrodes the small cell, reminding me of its dark