Chapter 45 The Fortress
As the fortress gates loomed in the distance, Olivia's heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and unease. The towering walls, lined with sentries, stood as an imposing reminder of the reality she had been forced to return to.
Klaus walked beside her, his hands lazily tucked into his pockets, his presence as overwhelming as ever. The elite squad followed closely behind, their silence heavy. Olivia's mind, however, was elsewhere—on Diana and the others.
She had spent the entire trek back debating how to escape. But Klaus was smart, too smart, and with him constantly watching her like a predator, any reckless move could cost her more than just her freedom.
As they approached the entrance, a commotion ahead caught her attention. The heavy gates, reinforced with steel and runes, groaned open just as another squad arrived—dragging along a group of battered figures.
Her breath hitched.
"Diana...?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper, but her legs moved on their own. She pushed past the soldiers, her heart racing as she recognized the familiar faces among the captives.
Diana, Tyler, and two other survivors from their team stood there, restrained and disheveled, their faces filled with exhaustion and barely concealed defiance. Diana's usually sharp gaze flickered with relief when she saw Olivia, but it was quickly replaced by something else, anger, guilt and fear.
Tyler was tending to the team, Luke lay unconscious, his injuries severe. Liam had burned his life essence and remained motionless. Both would need time, and cores, to recover. Ellie had woken up earlier before the squad came to take them back.