Mira’s scream shattered the tense air, echoing off the cold stone walls of the hideout. Gareth’s twisted smile widened, his predatory gaze fixed on her trembling form.
“Stop fighting, Mira,” he drawled, his voice dripping with false sweetness as he knelt closer. “It’s easier if you just... give in.”
Mira’s body trembled, but her eyes burned with defiance. She tried to shove him away, but Gareth’s strength easily overpowered her. His hand trailed down her arm, and she squirmed, desperate to escape his touch.
“You disgust me!” Mira spat, her voice hoarse from screaming.
Gareth’s smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of irritation. He raised his hand and struck her across the face. The force sent Mira crashing into the wall, her head hitting the rough surface with a sickening thud. She groaned weakly, her vision blurring as pain radiated through her skull.
“I told you not to fight,” Gareth hissed, leaning closer.
Through the haze of pain, Mira caught a movement in the corner of her eye. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Liana standing behind Gareth, clutching a large rock. The weight of it made her arms shake, but her expression was one of steely determination.
Mira’s mind raced. Could she trust Liana? After everything her sister had done, was this some new ploy? But there was no time for doubt.
Liana’s eyes met Mira’s, and she tilted her head in a silent signal. Mira swallowed hard, her body aching as she forced herself to shift slightly, drawing Gareth’s attention back to her.
“You think you’re so powerful,” Mira said, her voice laced with venom. She lifted her leg slightly, exposing more of her body to keep his focus. “But you’re nothing, Gareth. Nothing but a coward.”
Gareth’s eyes darkened, his lips curling into a snarl. “Watch your mouth, Mira,” he snapped, moving closer.
Behind him, Liana tightened her grip on the rock, her knuckles turning white. Mira held her breath, her pulse hammering in her ears as Gareth leaned in.
Just as his hand reached for her again, Liana swung the rock with all her might. The heavy stone connected with Gareth’s skull with a sickening crack. His body went rigid, his eyes wide with shock, before he crumpled to the ground in a heap.
The room fell silent, save for Mira’s ragged breathing and the distant thud of the rock rolling to the floor.
Liana dropped the remaining piece of the stone and stared at Gareth’s unconscious form, her chest heaving. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice trembling as she turned to Mira.
Mira didn’t answer. Her eyes flicked between her sister and Gareth, her mind reeling from what had just happened.