The darkened room buzzed with a mix of urgency and tension. A dim light cast long shadows on the walls, flickering over the stern faces of those gathered around the table. A map of the enemy stronghold lay at the center, marked with various notes and symbols.
"Time is running out," Liam said, his voice steady but strained. "Ava's execution is set for tomorrow at dawn. We have less than twenty-four hours."
"Then let's not waste any more time," Ethan responded, his jaw clenched. "What's the plan?"
Liam pointed to a heavily fortified section of the map. "This is where Ava is being held. Security is tight, but we have an advantage—our inside man." He nodded towards a young soldier, a former enemy now turned ally, standing nervously at the edge of the group.
"Introduce yourself," Liam prompted.
