Chapter 59: Uneasy Alliances
The silence between Alex and Ethan was heavy as they made their way back from Calista's command tent. Ethan's gaze flickered to Alex from time to time, a blend of frustration and worry etched across his face. She knew that look well; it was the same expression he wore every time she took a step further into Calista's twisted world. But unlike before, she felt the weight of his concern bearing down on her more than ever.
"What are you thinking, Alex?" Ethan's voice was low, his tone tight with restrained anger. "You're really considering becoming Calista's second?"
Alex stopped, turning to face him. She was tired—tired of defending her choices, of justifying every risk she took to someone who didn't seem to understand the stakes. But she couldn't deny that his words cut deep, scraping against the uncertainty she tried so hard to ignore.
