He released his grip slightly, just enough to let the demon breathe. Just enough to let it speak. The dark mana remained wrapped around it like a collar, a constant reminder that escape was impossible.
Vexkril gasped, sucking air into burning lungs. Tears streamed down its crimson face. When it finally managed to form words, its voice came out as a ragged whisper.
"Please," the creature begged, its earlier arrogance completely obliterated. "Please, I'm just a guardian. I don't make the decisions. I maintain the operation and ensure the extraction continues..."
"Who hired you?" Jack cut through the demon's pleading with surgical precision.
"I... I can't..." Vexkril's entire body went rigid as the dark mana tightened. The creature screamed, a sound of absolute agony that echoed through the warehouse's vaulted spaces.
