Kallen and Tristan abandoned the plan, it seems we were caught in the act and this caused both of them backed out from the plan. Joel seems to understand my building anxiety, he's holding my hand tight to ease my panic.
"Aria, calm down" he whispered. "Breath in, breath out".
I did what Joel told me, I inhaled and exhaled slowly. Following the rhythm of my palpitating heartbeat. The negotiation got intense, none of us wants back down without a fight. This doesn't look so good for Caleb's camp. However, I also realized that Caleb's expression filled with fear and uncertainty as he faced Vladimir heads-on.
Seeing our hesitated expression seems to make Vladimir excited, he's joyously grinned at Caleb's uncertainty and my anxiety.
"Well, if you're still confused" Vladimir pointed down the gun. "I'll give you one day to discuss your plan of surrendering".
