Kia couldn't answer. His mouth was forced open by the thick, gloved fingers of one of the masked men holding him in place. His jaw strained from the pressure, and his body shook violently in protest, but it was useless. He was bound, cornered, and completely helpless.
The leader stepped closer, crouching slightly so his masked face came into Kia's line of sight. The green lenses of his mask gleamed under the overhead light, reflecting Kia's own wide, tear-filled eyes. The expression beneath the mask couldn't be seen, but the cruelty in his voice painted the image clearly enough.
"It's simple, really," the leader continued, tilting his head as he twirled the small, steel pliers between his fingers with an almost delicate grace. "The big ones? They just yank the teeth out in one go. Brutal, yes—but quick. Efficient. Not much pain involved. A single pull, and the tooth's out."
