Mira's gaze pierced through the swirling smoke, her lips curling into a predatory smile. "You've come far, Eleanor," she said, her tone icy. "But you should've known better than to think you could win."
Alexander stiffened beside me. "Don't engage her. Not now."
"You think we have a choice?" I shot back, my eyes darting toward the guards stepping forward with their weapons raised.
Axel planted himself in front of us, holding the metal rod like a makeshift spear. "If you've got a plan, now's the time."
Mira gestured sharply, and the guards froze. "There's no need for violence," she said, feigning civility. "Not if you're willing to listen."
"I'm done listening to you," I said. "Let them go."
Her laugh echoed across the room. "Let them go? Eleanor, you still don't see the bigger picture. This isn't just about you or them. It's about control. Balance."
Alexander whispered, "She's stalling."
