Water arrived after what felt like forever.
A guard slipped in with a plastic bottle and a dented cup. He avoided Selene’s eyes, poured slowly, like looking at her would make him guilty.
Austin leaned as far as the chains allowed. “Slow. She’s been dry for days.”
The guard tilted the cup to her lips. Selene’s hands trembled too much to hold it.
Austin watched every swallow—each one easing the knot in his chest. When she coughed, weak and ragged, panic spiked through him.
“Give her more,” he said sharply.
“She’ll get it later.” The guard pulled back and left. He slammed the door shut. Silence returned.
Selene sagged, breath steadier. Lashes fluttered open.
“You still here?” she whispered.
Austin gave a broken laugh. “Unfortunately for them.”
Her lips twitched—a
