But just as he pulled Hera close in his dream, the moment of warmth was abruptly shattered by a knock at the door.
Leo's eyes fluttered open, the lingering softness in his gaze instantly replaced by his usual cold, calculating demeanor. Sitting up slowly, he exhaled and said in a firm voice, "Come in."
The door creaked open, revealing the torturer, still smeared with fresh blood. In his hand, he held a recording device—the confession of their prisoner freshly captured within it. His voice was steady, devoid of hesitation.
"Sir, we have all the information we need. Please advise on the next course of action."
"Release him," Leo ordered, his voice devoid of emotion. "Spread the word that he betrayed his own people and leaked classified information. Let them turn on each other—we'll use their chaos to confirm the truth of his claims. Monitor the forces that come after him, but keep him alive. He's our bait, and I won't have him dying too easily."
