The chains clattered loudly as Seo-Yun was dragged through the dimly lit halls of the fortress. His wrists burned where the shackles bit into raw skin, and his feet ached from the rough stone beneath them. Every step was a fresh reminder of his captivity, the cold metal biting into his flesh, reminding him he was nothing but property now.
They stopped before a heavy iron door, scarred from years of use. The hinges groaned as it was pushed open, revealing a small chamber lit only by the flicker of a nearby furnace. The heat was stifling and unnatural, a cruel contrast to the cold dread settling deep in Seo-Yun's chest.
On the walls hung tools that looked like instruments of torture — cold clamps, sharp needles, blades glinting under the torchlight, and thick rods glowing with heat, their tips fiery red. The room smelled of burning metal and ash.
Seo-Yun's breath caught, fear prickling at the back of his neck.
This was the branding room.
Saren stood to one side, expression unreadable but eyes cold. "You aren't registered," he said, voice steady. "That's a problem."
Kaelith's heavy boots echoed as he approached, his presence filling the cramped space. He crouched beside Seo-Yun, his dark eyes fixed on the pale skin of his captive's upper back.
"This mark will bind you," Kaelith said quietly, voice low and hard. "It will say who you belong to."
Seo-Yun's throat was dry. He tried to speak but only a weak whisper escaped. "Please... don't…"
Kaelith's hand tightened on Seo-Yun's jaw, forcing his head forward to expose the smooth skin where the brand would burn.
The glowing iron rod was lifted from the furnace and pressed down hard against his skin.
A searing, white-hot agony tore through Seo-Yun's body, fire licking its way through his nerves and muscles. He clenched his teeth so hard his jaw ached, fighting back a scream that threatened to break free.
Kaelith's voice was cold and merciless. "This is your mark. Four Alphas, four brands. You belong to us."
When the iron was lifted, Seo-Yun collapsed onto his knees, gasping for air. The branded skin was raw and bleeding, a fiery red sigil permanently seared into his flesh.
Saren moved forward with a damp cloth, pressing gently against the wound. "This pain will last for weeks. Remember it every time you think of escape."
Kaelith grabbed Seo-Yun's arm, hauling him to his feet. "You are no longer Seo-Yun. You are Ciel — ours now. This is your cage."
As they led him away, the pain in his back radiated outward, but deeper still was the ache of loss — of identity, freedom, and hope.
Seo-Yun realized then that this was only the beginning of his torment.