Here's the continuation of Chapter 16:
_Chapter 16: Web of Deceit (Continued)
Emilia's mind reeled.
Kael's betrayal cut deep.
"How long?" Emilia asked.
Ryker's voice barely above a whisper:
"Months. Maybe longer."
Emilia's grip on her dagger tightened.
"We trusted him," Emilia spat.
Ryker nodded.
"And he played us."
Emilia's determination hardened.
"We escape. Tonight."
Ryker nodded.
Together, they surveyed their cell.
Weak points.
Escape routes.
A plan formed.
As night fell, Emilia and Ryker made their move.
Picking locks.
Disabling guards.
They slipped into the shadows.
Navigating The Syndicate's complex.
Emilia spotted a ventilation shaft.
"In here," Emilia whispered.
Ryker nodded.
As they crawled through the ductwork, Emilia's thoughts churned.
Kael's betrayal.
Vivian's true intentions.
What was Eclipse?
Their questions would have to wait.
First, they needed to escape.
The vent opened into a deserted corridor.
"Clear," Ryker whispered.
Emilia nodded.
They moved swiftly.
Reaching the exit.
Freedom within reach.
But Emilia's instincts flared.
A trap.
"Ryker, wait!" Emilia whispered.
Too late.
The doors slammed shut.
The Syndicate's operatives surrounded them.
Vivian appeared, smiling.
"Emilia Grey," Vivian said.
"You're persistent."
Emilia's grip on her dagger tightened.
"I won't stop," Emilia vowed.
Vivian chuckled.
"We'll see about that."