Amber gripped the cold metal of the radio receiver, her hands steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside her. The room was dimly lit, the hum of telegraph machines filling the silence as Captain Foster stood nearby, arms crossed, watching her closely.
A crackle filled the air as the connection was established. Then, a familiar voice—tight with concern—came through.
"Amber?"
Her throat tightened at the sound of Matthew's voice. She had longed to hear him, to tell him she was safe, but there was no time for that now.
"Matthew, listen to me. They only rescued me. The others are still there."
A pause. Then, his voice, controlled but firm. "The mission was to extract you. You're safe now, that's all that matters."
