Chapter 34: In Enemy Hands The damp, musty smell of the underground hideout mingled the metallic tang of blood, an atmosphere suffocating dread. Flickering fluorescent lights cast eerie shadows on rough amplifying sense confinement. from chains, wrists raw and bleeding, his body a canvas fresh wounds and old bruises. His breath came in ragged gasps, each inhale a painful reminder his predicament. “Talk,” the interrogator’s voice devoid of emotion, he circled like predator. “Tell us what you know about plans. Liam’s head lolled to side, mingling the dried blood on face. His eyes, though clouded held a spark of defiance. “Go hell,” he rasped, voice than a whisper. The interrogator’s connected with Liam’s jaw, snapping his head back with a sickening crack. “You’re making harder yourself,” he sneered, wiping his a dirty rag. vision blurred, the of his consciousness fraying. He feel darkness creeping in, but he fought to stay awake. their mission. For people depending on them. In part of the city, Ava paced the length her makeshift command center, her racing. Maps and blueprints were spread across tables, and allies huddled around, discussing strategies in hushed tones. The in room was a testament to urgency of their task. “We to find him,” Ava insisted, her voice a mixture of determination. “We can’t let them break him. closest confidante and a fierce warrior own right, placed a reassuring hand on Ava’s shoulder. “We’ll Ava. But we need to be smart about this. Charging in without a will us all killed. Ava nodded, swallowing the lump throat. knew Jenna was right, but the thought of suffering the hands of their was unbearable. “What’s latest she asked, forcing herself to focus. “We’ve tracked the to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the Jenna replied, pointing to a location on the map. heavily guarded, but we have window of opportunity dawn. eyes narrowed as studied the layout. “We’ll need a mused. “Something to draw their attention away from the entrance. Jenna’s with glint. “Leave that to me. in hideout, the interrogator leaned to Liam, his breath hot against Liam’s ear. “Last chance,” hissed. “Tell us what we want you’ll regret it. Liam mustered the last of his strength, lifting his head meet the man’s gaze. “I’ll never betray her,” he spat, blood trickling from the of his mouth. The interrogator’s eyes flashed with anger, and he raised his hand to strike again when sound of an explosion the building. and debris rained down from the ceiling, and the lights flickered before plunging the room into darkness. “What the hell going on?” the barked, turning towards the door. Liam’s heart leaped with a glimmer of hope. knew that sound. Ava coming. Chaos erupted as and her launched their assault. echoed through the and shouts of confusion and pain filled the air. Ava moved with deadly precision, unshakable as she fought her way towards Liam. In the interrogation room, the interrogator scrambled to maintain control, but it was too late. The burst open, Jenna stormed in, her blazing with fury. She the interrogator with a brutal efficiency, then hurried to Liam’s side. “Liam, me,” she urgently, unlocking chains and catching as he collapsed into her arms. Liam’s vision swam, but recognized voice. “Ava…” he his strength fast. “She’s here,” assured him. As made their escape, Ava the charge, heart pounding with fear and hope. They reached the rendezvous point dawn to break, the first light of casting golden over the battle-scarred landscape. Liam was conscious, but he managed weak as Ava knelt beside him. “You came,” he whispered. “Always,” Ava replied, her voice choked with emotion. gently a lock hair from forehead, her touch tender despite the urgency of their situation. “We need to move, now. With Liam supported Jenna and ally, they made their to the extraction point. But as they approached the waiting Ava’s phone buzzed with an incoming message. She glanced at the screen, her heart freezing at the sight of Liam’s face on the video. “Ava,” voice his eyes filled with pain and urgency. “You have to stop. Don’t come for me. There’s a bigger threat. Focus on that. Please, me. video ended, leaving Ava stunned. She looked at the real Liam, who barely holding on, and then at her team, who for her command. “What do we Ava?” Jenna asked, her steady but her eyes betraying her concern. Ava deep breath, her racing. The enemy planned this, she realized. wanted her attention, force her into impossible choice. Follow new on the “BunnyBookery”. “We to the plan,” she said her voice firm. “We get Liam to safety, then we deal with greater threat. As they sped away, resolve hardened. She not let their enemies win. She would protect Liam, she uncover the truth behind new danger.