Dean stared at her, his smirk slowly fading.
Then, he laughed. "Admirable. But naïve."
He straightened, rolling his shoulders. "You're going to break, Tracy. It's just a matter of time."
Tracy lifted her chin, despite the pain radiating through her body. "Then you'd better bring your worst."
Dean's eyes darkened.
"Oh, I will."
He nodded to the guards again.
The real pain began.
—---
The night was thick. Every step was measured, every breath controlled.
Vardy led the group through the shadows, staying low as they moved closer to the fortress.
The journey had been grueling, hours spent passing through the wilderness, dodging patrols, resting only when absolutely necessary.
Selene wiped sweat from her brow, glancing at the distant glow of torches atop the fortress walls. "We're running out of time."
"We know," Ferah muttered, eyes sharp.
Luthor exhaled, his grip tightening around his sword. "She's in there. That's all that matters."
