My boots echo off the cold floor as I make my way deeper into the facility. The air grows colder, the faint metallic tang of the cells ahead reaching my nose.
When we reach the reinforced door to Nora’s cell, I shift Ciara’s weight, balancing her easily in my arms, and nod my head towards the door, signaling for Athena to open it.
Athena hesitates for a moment, her fingers hovering over the latch. Then, with a soft sigh, she pulls it open.
Inside, Nora sits on a narrow bed, her arms wrapped around her knees. Her blond hair is disheveled, and her eyes are weary but alert.
When the door opens, her head shoots up, her eyes blinking as she tries to adjust to the sudden intrusion.
Her eyes widen in horror as she sees Ciara in my arms.
"Ciara!" Nora scrambles to her feet, her voice trembl
