Chapter Enemy’s Stronghold The iron door shut behind them, and Ava’s heart raced. The dimly room smelled of damp and the shadows twisting grotesque shapes. Chains as Liam was forced into a chair beside their captors’ echoing ominously the space. Ava exchanged a quick, defiant glance with Liam, his blue eyes filled with unspoken determination. She knew had to stay strong, even their grew increasingly dire. “Tell us need to know,” the voice growl. He circled them like a predator, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. Ava’s mind raced. She needed to buy them time, think of way out. “We don’t know anything,” she said, her steady despite the fear at her insides. lips curled into a sneer. “Lies,” he hissed. “You’ve been in our side for too long, Ava. It’s time to the price. warning, her arm, grip like iron. shot through her, but she her lip, refusing to cry out. She give him satisfaction. Liam tensed her, his against bonds. “Let her go,” he snarled, his voice a dangerous edge. The interrogator chuckled, a humorless sound. “Ah, the hero,” he mocked. worry, you’ll get turn. eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of weakness, any escape route. The were bare, single window barred and too high to reach. there was in the shadows. A figure watching silently. Her locked onto the figure, a flicker recognition sparking. Could it be? kept her expression hoping the interrogator wouldn’t notice her interest. The interrogator stepped back, crossing his arms. “I’ll give you one last chance. Talk, or suffer the consequences. lifted chin, defiance burning her eyes. “We have nothing to to you. The interrogator’s face darkened with rage. He turned to his henchmen, gesturing sharply. As the guards advanced, figure in the shadows moved. a swift, silent motion, they incapacitated one of the guards, then another. Chaos erupted as the mysterious ally fought with precision skill, turning the tide in Ava and Liam’s favor. Liam seized the opportunity, breaking free from his bonds tackling the remaining guard. Ava followed suit, grabbing discarded weapon and herself back-to-back with Liam. Together, faced the interrogator, who now less certain of victory. “You’ll this,” interrogator spat, backing away. But before he could flee, mysterious stepped forward, blocking his path. The hooded figure pulled back their hood, revealing a familiar face. “Hello, brother,” the ally said, voice dripping with contempt. Ava’s breath caught in her throat. It was a long-lost relative, presumed dead. Her eyes glinted with a mix of and satisfaction. waited long time for this. The interrogator’s eyes widened in shock. “Elara? how?” “No time explanations,” cut him off, shifting Ava Liam. “We need to get of here, now. Ava nodded, still processing revelation. “We’ll follow your lead. As they their way through the labyrinthine corridors Elara moved guiding them past guards and traps. Ava couldn’t the feeling of betrayal and confusion. Why had Elara helped them? What her true motive? They reached a hidden passage, and Elara motioned for them to enter. “This whispered, urgency in her voice. Once the narrow seemed to close in around them. The air was thick with tension and unspoken questions. emerged into the cool night, the stars stark contrast to the darkness they’d just escaped. Ava turned to Elara, her mind racing. “Why you help us? What’s your game?” Elara’s expression softened, a hint of vulnerability breaking through her exterior. owe you an explanation, now’s not time. not safe yet. Liam placed reassuring hand on Ava’s shoulder. “We’ll get answers soon. For now, we need to trust her. Ava nodded reluctantly, her eyes wary. “Alright. But we’ll you, Elara. Elara gave a curt nod. Let’s move. journeyed through the dense forest, the sounds pursuit echoing faintly behind them. As dawn approached, exhaustion at Ava’s limbs, but she pushed on, driven the survive and the burning questions lingered. Follow new on the “BunnyBookery”. Just when she thought they safe, Elara halted, her eyes scanning the surroundings. “We’re not she murmured, weapon. Ava and themselves, their senses on high alert. From the shadows emerged a figure Ava hadn’t expected—a she hadn’t in years. stopped as the realization her. “Ava,” the figure stepping into light. been a time. breath caught, her mind reeling. It her estranged uncle, believed be dead. His eyes glinted with twisted sense of justice, a edge to his smile. “I have plans for you, dear niece.