Simon didn't look at her as he replied. "We have to."
The weight of his words hung between them, unspoken but understood. Failure wasn't an option — not for him.
The final crate was the heaviest yet, and Leo was visibly struggling as he and Bethany carried it toward the car.
Simon stepped forward to meet them halfway, grabbing one end and helping hoist it into the trunk.
"That's it," Bethany said, her breath coming in short bursts. She wiped a bead of sweat from her brow, her eyes darting toward the compound. "We're clear."
Simon slammed the trunk shut with a decisive thud. "Get in."
The team piled into the car without hesitation. Simon slid into the driver's seat, Bethany beside him, and Leo and Rita squeezed into the back.
The moment the doors clicked shut, Simon started the engine, the low growl of the motor cutting through the oppressive quiet.
