*Chapter 17: The Rescue*
Aria's eyes scanned the perimeter of the building, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew that Vraxxis had set a trap for her, but she was determined to rescue her sister.
Ryker nodded, his eyes locked onto the guards. "I'll take care of the guards," he whispered. "You get your sister."
Aria nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She slipped around the side of the building, searching for an alternate entrance.
As she made her way through the dark corridors, Aria's senses were on high alert. She could hear the sound of guards patrolling the halls, and she knew that she had to move quickly.
Finally, she reached the door to her sister's cell. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she might find inside.
As she opened the door, Aria's heart sank. Her sister, Sophia, was lying on a narrow bed, her eyes sunken and her skin pale.
"Sophia," Aria whispered, rushing to her side. "I'm here."
Sophia's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled weakly. "Aria," she whispered. "I knew you'd come."
Aria's eyes filled with tears as she hugged her sister tightly. "I'll never let anyone hurt you again," she promised.
But as they hugged, Aria heard the sound of guards approaching. Ryker had taken care of the guards outside, but there were more inside, and they were closing in fast.