Chapter 10 cont’d

Dante

Upon my arrival, I was confronted with a tense scene. My trusted associate, Matteo, was standing guard with two of my men, encircling Dave who was firmly tied to a chair. As soon as he saw me, his eyes welled up with tears and he began to sob uncontrollably, demanding an explanation for his predicament.

Seated across from him, I could not help but feel a wave of annoyance wash over me at the sight of his vulnerability. "Dave, your tears are unbecoming of a man," I began sternly. "Your display of weakness suggests that you are unable to endure even the slightest discomfort. What will happen if one of our foes were to capture you and subject you to torture? Would you crumble and beg for mercy before you even feel the sting of the lash?"

Despite my admonishment, Dave continued to shake his head and weep, "I would rather face the enemy's wrath than suffer at the hands of my own boss. If I am to meet my end, let it be as a hero at the hands of our adversaries, rather than as a traito