No Escape

Selene's body was coiled like a spring, her mind racing through every possible scenario. She had fought battles before, but this was different. The guards around her were trained, disciplined, and relentless. They weren't going to make the same mistakes twice. Lucian stood at the edge of the chaos, his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. He didn't need to lift a finger—his men would do the work for him. A guard lunged, but she was faster. She twisted her body, narrowly avoiding the strike, and drove her elbow into his ribs. The impact sent a sharp grunt from his lips, but he didn't fall. Another grabbed her wrist, and Selene reacted instantly, shifting her weight and wrenching herself free. Her heel came down hard against his knee, sending him stumbling. Pain shot through her ribs as another fist connected. She gasped, staggering backward. Eve struggled in the corner, her wrists bound, her breathing ragged. Their eyes met for a split second—Selene had to get to her. Lucian exhaled. 'This is getting repetitive." Selene ignored him as a guard reached for her again. She ducked, spun, and slammed her knee into his stomach. The man gasped, but another was already coming with a sharp blow and struck her ribs, followed by another. Her legs buckled slightly, but she forced herself to stay upright. Lucian sighed. 'You never know when to quit." Selene wiped the blood from her lip, her breathing heavy. 'Neither do you," Lucian smirked faintly. 'Perhaps." A hand grabbed the back of her neck, forcing her to the ground. Selene gritted her teeth, refusing to make a sound. Her cheek pressed against the cold floor, but her mind was still working. Lucian knelt beside her, voice quiet. 'Are we done?" Selene didn't respond. Lucian exhaled. 'You're exhausting, Selene." She turned her head slightly, her voice hoarse but steady. 'And you're predictable." Lucian chuckled. 'Maybe." He stood, nodding toward the guards. 'Take her to the holding chamber." Selene barely had time to react before she was yanked to her feet. Pain lanced through her side, but she forced her body to stay strong. Eve shouted something but Selene couldn't make out the words. Lucian's smirk faded. 'You'll come to regret this." Selene met his gaze. 'No. You will." Lucian sighed. 'We'll see." Selene clenched her fists as she was dragged toward the door. The sound of heavy boots echoed in the narrow corridor, each step punctuating the suffocating silence. Selene's wrists burned against the rough restraints, her breath steady despite the weight of the guards dragging her forward. The metallic scent of blood clung to the air, mixing with the damp chill of the underground prison. Lucian's men were efficient—too efficient. No wasted movements, no hesitation. They knew exactly where they were taking her, and that meant Selene had little time to figure out her next move. She inhaled slowly, ignoring the ache in her ribs. Panic wouldn't help her here. Eve was behind her, struggling but not screaming. Selene could hear the uneven breaths, the subtle shifts of movement. She was waiting—just as Selene was. The guards stopped in front of a thick steel door, one of them stepping ahead to unlock it. The sharp click of the mechanism sent a chill through Selene's spine. This wasn't just another holding cell. Lucian had something planned. The door swung open, revealing a dimly lit chamber lined with reinforced walls. It was too clean, too controlled. A place designed for something worse than mere captivity. The guards shoved Selene inside first. She stumbled slightly but caught herself before hitting the ground. Eve followed, her hands still bound, her jaw clenched in defiance. She shot a glare at Lucian as he stepped in behind them. Lucian exhaled, slow and measured. 'I hope you both understand that I am—" He paused, tilting his head. '—growing tired of this game." Selene rolled her shoulders, testing the restraints. 'Then stop playing." Lucian chuckled, his smirk returning. 'Where's the fun in that?" He stepped closer, his gaze flickering between them. 'I could make this easier, Selene. I could end it now." Selene's expression remained unreadable. 'So why haven't you?" Lucian exhaled. 'Because you still have use." Selene arched her brow. 'That's a mistake," Lucian smirked. 'Not from where I'm standing." His gaze shifted to Eve. The flicker of amusement faded slightly. 'You understand why I'm doing this, don't you?" Eve didn't answer. Lucian sighed. 'Always so stubborn." Selene took a step forward. 'You don't get to talk about stubbornness." Lucian studied her before nodding to one of the guards. Selene barely had time to react before pain shot through her side. A punch—deliberate, precise. She gritted her teeth, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. Lucian sighed. 'Still standing?" Selene exhaled. 'Is that supposed to impress me?" Lucian smirked, tilting his head. 'No. But this will." He gestured toward Eve. The guard grabbed her roughly, forcing her forward. Selene's body tensed, her heartbeat spiking. Lucian's voice was almost gentle. 'Now, you'll listen."