As Dante stepped into the light, his malevolent grin widened. The torchlight cast eerie shadows across his face, accentuating the cruel glint in his eyes. Astrid's heart pounded in her chest, but she stood firm, her resolve unshaken despite the fear gnawing at her insides.
"You think you can just waltz into my fortress and take what you want?" Dante sneered, his gaze sweeping over the trio. "How naive."
Astrid glanced at Kellan and Liam, who nodded subtly, their eyes filled with unspoken understanding and determination. They had come too far to back down now.
"We're here to rescue my mum," Astrid declared, her voice steady and unwavering. "And we won't leave without her."
Dante chuckled darkly, a sound that sent shivers down Astrid's spine. "Brave words," he mused. "But bravery won't s
