"I... I can't believe it," the man croaked, his voice hoarse but trembling with emotion. "He actually sent someone to find me..." A ragged smile flickered across his sunken face.
"What?" Vale asked, brows furrowed in confusion. "Who is he talking about?"
The man took a cautious step back, eyes scanning Vale's puzzled expression.
"W-wait... you're not from the castle?"
Vale stared at him for a beat, then shook his head. "No."
The man collapsed to his knees, despair flooding his face.
"We're done for..." he whispered, rocking back and forth on the floor of his cage.
Vale watched him in silence, unsure of what to think of his behaviour.
"Did he snap?" The thought drifted through his mind, but he pushed it away.
"Why are you here? What's going on?" he pressed, his voice firmer now, demanding clarity.
The man's head lifted. With sudden urgency, he scrambled to his feet, moving as quickly as his battered body would allow.
