Chapter 56. Who Helped You

River’s heart pounded in his chest like a caged animal desperate for escape.

“I will punish him for you, Ellie,” he whispered to himself, his breath a thin mist in the cold air. His mind was a whirlwind of memories - her laughter, her smile, her touch. But now, all that remained were the haunting echoes of their love, and the bitter taste of vengeance consuming him from within.

“Ellie,” he said again, louder this time. “I will find justice for you. I swear it.”

The prisoner’s silhouette was barely visible, chained to a chair in the farthest corner of the dimly lit basement. River could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he approached.

“Tell me,” River began, his voice low but firm, “why did you attack Antonio?”

The prisoner lifted his head slowly, revealing a face bruised from earlier interrogations. His eyes locked onto River’s with a cold, unyielding defiance.

“None of your business,” the man spat.

River clenched his fists, feeling the anger