Chapter 17
A searing laceration made its way across Kaili's face as Galyn Khaan traced the word "Traitor" with the flaming tip of the Fire Sword. By this point it hurt too much to cry or even whimper.
After a few escape attempts, Galyn Khaan had increased security. He had locked Kaili in a metal stockade, with chains around the wrists and ankles. As if that wasn't enough, he made sure Kaili didn't get any food for a week at a time.
Kaili was too weak to defend himself as Galyn Khaan tore off the remnants of the GJ jumpsuit. Deep blue tatters fluttered to the dirt floor like dying butterflies.
"By betraying your elder brother," Galyn Khaan drew his sword again, "you severed your connection to the Li family. I'll finish the job." Kaili squeezed his eyes shut, knowing what was coming but unable to fight back.
Galyn Khaan took a handful of Kaili's hair, slicing it close to the scalp with the sword. Soft black hair came off in clumps, brushing Kaili's face and bare shoulders as it fell. Kaili shut his eyes tighter and clenched his jaw, trying to restrain the tears.
Eventually the cutting stopped - only to be followed by a fire on what little remained. Now, Kaili screamed, tears from his eyes and blood from his scalp streaming down his face. Then another burning, but this time it was dry ice putting out the fire. Finally, a strange numbness - the third-degree burns had cauterized the nerve endings, causing him to feel nothing.
Galyn Khaan left, his dark laughter mingling with Makhchin's screech. Kaili was just about to give up hope…
...until he heard a familiar yell, followed by the hardwood door breaking clean in half.