C39 Chains and shadows

Lucas awoke on cold stone, his wrists bound by cuffs etched with runes that burned against his skin. The air was damp, heavy with the stench of iron and rot. Shadows slithered along the walls like serpents, whispering in a thousand voices.

“Papa?”

His head snapped to the side. Zoe was there, curled in a corner, her tiny hands bound but untouched. Her eyes were wide, shimmering with fear