"You really think I came unarmed?" Their thumb hovered over the button. "One press, and Emilia dies. Right now. Right this second."
I stood still.
Ava swore, stopping in her tracks. Ethan's breath came in short gasps. Vickson's jaw was so tight I feared he would break his own teeth.
Our traitor watched us, relishing the power, feeding off it.
I hated them for it.
But more than that, i hated myself for not seeing it sooner.
"You're a coward," I spat. "Hiding behind threats. Using people like they're disposable."
Their smile never faltered. "And yet, here we are. With me winning. Again."
They took a step back, towards the door. "You want to save Emilia?"
A pause. "Then prove you're worth it."
And with that, they pressed something on their wrist and vanished.
The air throbbed, taut.
Then Vickson swore punching the wall hard enough to leave a dent. Ava ran her hand over her face swearing. Ethan breathed shakily and his entire body trembling with barely contained rage.
