A low hum filled the air, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps. I turned, my chest tightening as more figures emerged from the shadows, their weapons gleaming under the dim light. We were surrounded.
Alexander's stance didn't waver, but I could see the calculation in his eyes. He was assessing our odds, and they weren't in our favor.
"Drop your weapons," Mira said, her voice firm. "Or this ends badly for all of you."
"We're not surrendering," Alexander replied, his voice calm but unyielding.
"No?" Mira's smile faded. She motioned to one of her men, who stepped forward, his gun pointed at Noah. "Then he dies first."
Noah's breath hitched, his eyes darting between us. "Wait! Mira, you don't have to—"
"Shut up," she snapped, her attention back on Alexander. "Last chance. Drop the guns."
Alexander didn't move. "If you kill him, you lose your leverage."
"Who said I needed leverage?" she asked, her tone icy.
