CHAPTER 64: THE INTERNAL ENEMY

"You should’ve known better, Elena."

It was a quiet voice. Too quiet.

I pushed my eyes open, my vision spinning, my head pounding. Sweat and dust blended with the

metallic smell of blood that hung in the air. Overhead, a lone lamp bickered, creating shadows on the

cement walls.

I had a chair strapped to me. The rope dug into my esh, burning my wrists.

The last person I wanted to see was resting on a rusting metal table across from me.

"I didn’t take you for a coward," I added, my voice raspy.

The traitor grinned, my traitor. "I also didn't think you were a moron. I suppose we both have a lot of

surprises.

Inside me, rage coiled tightly and smothered me. I made myself remain still and ignore the pain from

my wounds.

"Where’s Joe?"

The smile vanished. "Alive. For the time being."

My chest constricted.

"What do you want?" I insisted.

Their voice lowered as they squatted in front of me after pushing to the table. "Elena, it's not about

what I want. It concerns Victor's desires.

My spine tingled at the name.

Victor.

Retaliation was no longer the only factor at play here. It was a game. And the reward was me.

"And what does Victor want?" With a loud voice, I asked.

With dark, unfathomable eyes, the traitor cocked their head. "He wants you to suer."

I balled my fingers into sts. "Then he should’ve killed me when he had the chance."

They laughed and got to their feet. "Oh, Elena. That's the problem.

They turned and moved in the direction of the door. "He’s not done playing with you yet."

After that, they departed, closing the door.

And for the first time since this nightmare started, I became aware that I may not survive.

Captured

Minutes went by. Hours, maybe.

Wincing as the ropes sank more into my esh, I tried them. Not useful. The person who tied them

was well aware of what they were doing.

I made myself take a breath. To reject.

Jeo remained alive. That indicated that Victor needed his help. as well as from me.

What was the question?

I stiened when the door creaked open once again.

This time, it's not the traitor.

Another dude. Higher. Wider. Cold gaze and scarred knuckles.

A soldier.

He pulled a knife from his belt and walked up without saying anything.

I took a deep breath.

He said, "Victor wants answers," at last.

"Then he should ask me himself," I firmly retorted.

The guy grinned. Yes, he will. He wants to know how much you're willing to bleed first, however.

In the low light, the knife gleamed.

Then he moved a step nearer.

The Tipping Point

My side erupted with pain.

I bit my lip to contain my scream as I gasped. Not enough to kill, but enough to injure, the sword cut

shallowly.

With my chest rising and sinking, I gazed up at him. "That all you got?"

He gave a tongue-click. "You're a strong individual. That's excellent.

He lifted the knife again—

The lights wavered.

The hall reverberated with a tremendous crash.

Stiened, the guy turned to face the door.

My pulse jumped. Jeo.

There were gunshots.

Shouting.

Reaching for his radio, the guy swore. However, the door sprang open before he could say anything.

A shadow moved too quickly.

A shot was red, and the guy fell to the ground.

A harsh breath came out of my mouth.

With his rie still elevated and his expression inscrutable, Jeo stood in the doorway.

"You took your time," I rasped.

In a single stroke, he stepped forward and sliced through my shackles. "Next time, don’t get caught."

I pushed to my feet, ignoring the hurt of what he had spoken. My legs shook, but they held.

"How did you—"

"Later," he said. "We need to move."

The hall echoed with thundering footsteps.

No time.

I took the deceased man's rearm and trailed after Jeo into the shadows.

We hadn't left yet.

However, we were determined to battle our way to the end.

The corridor is divided in two.

Joe muttered an expletive. "Which way?"

I paused, for a moment.

Too lengthy by one second.

With his rise poised, the traitor emerged from the shadows and blocked our way.

"Going somewhere?" they smirked and said.

I raised my rearm. "Move."

They didn't.

As an alternative, they aimed—and aimed the rie at Jeo.

"You don’t get to choose who walks out of here, Elena."

My heart struck my ribs hard.

"Drop your weapon."

I remained still.

Didn't take a breath.

Because I was aware that now was the time.

The choice.

Have faith.

Or retaliation.

I too only got one chance to do it correctly.