Ash's eyes snapped open as cold water splashed over him, sending a shock through his body. His limbs were heavy, restrained tightly. Struggling to move, he realized he was tied—his chest pressed against a rough concrete pillar, arms bound firmly infront of him.
The dim light barely cut through the gloom of the room, but one figure stood out clearly.
The man he caught with Mira sat lazily in a nearby chair. His smirk was slow, confident, as his fingers traced the fresh red marks on his lips.
"Two hits already," the man said softly, voice dripping with mock admiration. "You're braver than I expected… or maybe just a fool."
Ash glared at the man, his voice steady but tense.
"Why did you send someone to drown me?"
The man smirked, leaning back casually.
"Do you have any proof of that?"
Ash stayed silent, his eyes locked on the man.
The man laughed coldly, shaking his head.
"And you just come forward and punched me in front of everyone? Stupid."
He reached down and grabbed the whip lying nearby, holding it up with a cruel grin.
"I was just trying to teach you a little lesson for ruining my face."
His eyes darkened as he stared sharply at Ash.
"But it looks like you're stubborn."
With that, the whip cracked sharply across Ash's back.
Crack!
Another sharp strike landed across Ash's back, tearing more of his skin. His muscles twitched under the pressure, but he still didn't scream. He bit down on the inside of his cheek, blood filling his mouth as he refused to give the bastard the satisfaction.
Behind him, the man let out a breathy laugh, his chest heaving with glee.
"Ohhh, I love this," the man drawled darkly, dragging the whip slowly along Ash's spine. "You like to punch people, huh? You thought that little scene by the pool would go unpunished?"
Crack!
"You dare to leave a mark on my face"
He tapped his bruised lip mockingly.
"Now it's my turn to leave a few marks."
Another lash.
Ash's body was covered in angry, raised welts, streaked with blood. His skin burned, stung, tore—but he didn't scream, tied to the pillar, gritting his teeth. His breathing was uneven now, sweat mixing with the blood on his back. As the man stepped back to prepare another hit, Ash managed to lift his head weakly—and that's when he saw them.
Two men stood silently ahead in the shadows. Their posture wasn't casual. They were watching—guards, most likely.
So this is a punishment, he thought bitterly. For punching him.The realization made his chest feel heavier than the lashes on his back. He cursed inwardly and tilted his head down, letting it thud lightly against the pillar. His bound hands strained slightly.
"Tch... damn it," he muttered under his breath.
"Why couldn't I just walk away? Why did I let my anger win?"
But the man behind him wasn't slowing down. He was just getting more vicious.
Crack! Crack!
Each whip was harder, faster—like the man wanted to carve his rage into Ash's skin.
Ash gasped. His knees buckled.
His body slumped forward, the pillar the only thing keeping him upright. With one more lash across his shoulder blades, Ash let out a strained breath and collapsed onto the floor, the rope tugging against his wrists as he slid down into a heap.
His body trembled from exhaustion, breath shallow and irregular.
The man stood over him, whip still in hand, a crooked smile on his face—one of satisfaction, cruelty, and triumph.
"Now you know your place," he said.
Then, with one final act of contempt, he pulled back his leg—and kicked Ash hard in the stomach.
Ash's already weakened body jolted from the impact. The pain, the blood loss, the strain—it was too much. Ash's vision blurred, everything fading into black as his breathing slowed.
He had fainted.
The man stood tall, wiping sweat from his brow. He smirked. "Piece of trash," he muttered before turning away, casually tossing the bloodstained whip onto the floor.
" Toss his body somewhere I don't care where " he muttered to a guard before leaving.
The guards exchanged a brief look then moved.
****************
Ash found himself standing in a field of tall, golden grass swaying gently beneath a soft breeze. The sky above was painted in soft orange, as if caught between dawn and dusk. He turned slowly, confused, until he heard it—
"Ash..."
That voice. He froze.
Turning again, his breath caught. She stood just a few feet away. His mother.
She was wearing that faded blue dress she used to love. Her smile was warm. She opened her arms. Without thinking, Ash ran to her. Fell into her embrace. And for a moment, all the walls he built crumbled. Her hand brushed through his hair just the way she used to when he was younger.
"You're so tired, Ash... sorry I left you alone" she whispered softly.
Ash's voice cracked as he spoke against her shoulder.
"I miss you so much... Mom."
She kissed his forehead and held him tighter.
"I know."
And then—she started to fade.
"Mom… wait—don't go!" he reached out, trying to hold on, but her image slipped through his fingers like mist.
***********"*****
"Hey… Ash. Wake up."
Ash blinked slowly, his body heavy and stiff. The voice sounded familiar. As his vision adjusted, he realized he was clinging tightly to someone.
His brows furrowed.
Luca.
"You could've at least waited till you were fully conscious to hug me," Luca said with a playful smirk. "And… when did you start crying in your sleep?"
Ash quickly let go, turning his head to the side. "It's nothing."
That's when he noticed the others — Emil, Matteo, Sebastian… and Léo, who stood near the bed with his arms crossed, watching him carefully.
Ash frowned. "Where… am I?"
"Where else do you think you'd be after what happened to you?" Léo asked.
Ash turned his head slowly and finally took in the room — white walls, medical supplies. The infirmary.
"Oh," he muttered.
Léo stepped closer, his tone sharpening. "Why did you do it?"
Ash didn't reply. He looked away again, jaw clenched.
Léo grabbed Ash by the front of his shirt, tugging him slightly forward. "Hey! Whatever thing he did to you...you could have just let it go!" Léo's voice rose.
"Hey! Calm down," Sebastian jumped in.
But Léo said "There's nothing to calm down about! Do you know how fucked up you looked when she brought you in?"
Ash blinked. "She?"
"Yeah," Emil said gently. "Mira. She found you… your body was tossed near the drug unit building."
Ash lowered his gaze, lips parting slightly. "Oh…For how long have I been asleep."
" Three days" Emil said
"Ok" Ash replied
Luca, clapped his hands once and leaned in. "Okay, okay. Time to end this heavy vibe. The important thing is — he's awake, and he's fine."