The rain still pounded against the city as if trying to drown its sins. The car's engine roared through the deserted streets, a growling beast in the heart of Neon City's labyrinth. Max's wrists were bound, the rough rope biting into his skin, a cruel reminder of his failure. Elena sat next to him, her eyes scanning the cityscape through the fogged-up windows, searching for a miracle in a world devoid of them.
The henchmen's silence was a heavy blanket, smothering any hope of escape. Their cold, dead eyes reflected the city's lights, but there was no humanity left in them. Vargas had stripped them of that, piece by piece.
Max leaned closer to Elena, his voice a hushed whisper, barely audible over the engine's growl. "We need a plan. Fast."
Elena's jaw tightened. "I have one. But we need to get out of these ropes first."
The car took a sharp turn, nearly tossing them into the opposite door. Max used the momentum to inch closer to her. "What's your plan?"
