Chapter 854 - 856
Jude watched from a distance. The fences were tall, electrified. Cameras covered every angle. Inside, he saw children playing under artificial lights, watched by guards dressed as counselors. Smiles painted on like masks. He saw Rhea, small, thin, eyes dull.
"We’ll get her," Jude said.
Tamir didn’t speak. He just nodded once.
Jude called in a favor. One he’d hoped to never use. The voice on the other end was reluctant, but when Jude mentioned Ascendia, there was a pause, and then silence.
"I’ll give you twenty minutes," the voice said. "No more."
It was enough.
They entered through the maintenance access under the garden wall. Jude neutralized the sensors with a device Mina had left behind. Tamir followed close, holding a flashlight in his teeth and a crowbar in his hands. No guns. Not yet. They moved room to room, avoiding patrols, checking the dorms. The children were locked in at night, but not guarded, no need. The locks were coded to their implants. Jude broke through the digital interface and opened Rhea’s door quietly.
She didn’t scream. She blinked and stared.
Tamir dropped to his knees. "Rhea," he whispered.