I'm loving this story. I think I've actually winced a couple of times from some of your writing in this story.
And my I suggest Carving be one form of torture? I know you just about got the end written, but in case you're still looking for torture suggestions, I thing Carving could be one of them. Like the Blackbirds could carve like shapes, patterns, or even their names or something into his skin...?
-Kat