Alexandra's POV—
I was totally taken aback by Lia's words. I couldn't comprehend how could someone agree to this… and it's by her own choice. When I observed her carefully, I could see helplessness, resignation, disgust and fear in her eyes. All her emotions were reflected in her eyes. Yet, she decided to jump into hell all by herself.
"NO! YOU CAN'T! I AM NOT LETTING YOU GO!!" yelled Shuren, as if she had used all the capacity of her lungs.
Shimran nodded, "We can't let you go. No one among us should be subjected to that kind of torture. If forcing on a woman is what he likes, then he is not a man. He is a pathetic piece of shit."
Tom banged his hand on the basement's door. He shouted, "HOW DARE YOU! IF MY SON DIDN'T FORBID ME… I WOULD HAVE…"
Jessie ignored his screaming and pleaded, "Lia! You can't go in there. W-we can do something. Am I correct, Weslie?"
"Yeah!!" Weslie agreed.
Hearing all their words made Lia's eyes lose all of their negative emotions. Her eyes were filled with warmth and a sad smile bloomed on her face. She said, "It should be me. I… don't want any of you to go through this experience." Tears started welling up in her eyes.
"What about your kids and husband? They are seriously waiting for you," I said, with a hoarse voice.
Wiping her tears, Lia turned towards me. "I-I don't d-d-deserve to be a-a m-mother… before I-I was c-captured… I-I had d-divorced my h-husband. He a-asked me to come meet the children because t-they were unwell… they wanted their mother. I-I j-just f-forced him to take care of our c-children and… *hic* *hic* ran away with the a-alimony. Now t-tell me… do I-I deserve to b-be called a m-mother?" Lia stuttered, while crying her heart out.
I don't know what to say. She is a bad mother and there is no doubt about it. But… that doesn't mean she was a bad human. And it certainly didn't mean she hated her children. While she abandoned them, her heart and soul still cared about them; adored them. They were her flesh and blood. Hahaha… she is even willing to sacrifice for a group of strangers and this alone makes it worth for me to attempt saving her… saving these women.
Tom grabbed Lia's hand and started dragging her. The others tried to save them but he easily pushed them away and closed the door.
"Untie my hands," I said, in a very deathly voice.
"LIA'S GONE! TO SAVE ALL OF US! TO SAVE YOU! AND YOU WANT—"
One look from me was all it needed for Shimran to shut her mouth. I repeated, "Untie them and I promise you… I will save you all."
Shuren crouched down and untied my hands. Rubbing my wrists, I stood up on my feet. I staggered at first but slowly found my balance back. One thing that I was the best in my previous world was, combat. It was all I had known. Comic books, manga, novels, manhua and manhwa… I have read too many of them. Maybe it was luck or my strategic prowess, I don't know. But all I know that I have successfully incorporated them to win a lot of fights, and even have saved myself from the ruthless and relentless attacks from the heroines.
I grabbed the water bottle and drank all the water in it in one sip. I threw the bottle and began searching around the room. I have a plan and it's very simple. But first, I need an axe or something similar and I am pretty sure that there must be one in here.
I frantically searched all around the basement and just when I was about to employ another idea, I found a broken cupboard. I opened it. Bingo! I found one. I grabbed the axe's handle and walked towards the door.
Seeing the axe in my hand, everyone backed away from me, giving me quite an appropriate space and range to break the wooden door.
"Who are you?" whispered Shimran. Her words were like a low breeze yet, it was audible to everyone.
Who am I? Hmmm… ex-otaku, ex-protagonist, villainess, cannon fodder and last but not the least… I am… wait! I will say it out loud.
I stood in front of door with my back turned towards them. I raised the axe high above my head.
"I am neither the hero nor, the villain. I am someone around which everything revolves but… not anymore. I am called Alexandra Swann now but I am still 'constant.' I am the one who can end this is what it matters." Ok, enough of this shit. Let's get back to work. With a single strike, I cut the door into halves.