Escaping had never been particularly difficult for Darius, but today it had been humiliatingly necessary.
The shadows released him abruptly, depositing him roughly onto damp stone, pain shooting sharply through his spine as he landed heavily on his back. He groaned, cursing softly under his breath, staring irritably upward into the darkness. This day, already thoroughly miserable, was clearly intent on testing his patience to its absolute limit.
With a weary sigh, he pushed himself carefully upright, wincing at the numerous fresh bruises blossoming painfully beneath his clothing. The small stone chamber he'd materialized within was dimly lit by a single flickering torch that did little more than highlight the room's general lack of charm. Moisture seeped down the walls, leaving dark, unpleasant stains, and the floor beneath his feet was slippery with mold. If his employers had meant to intimidate him with this gloomy atmosphere, they were succeeding remarkably.
