Clara's heartbeat roared in her ears.
The keycard lay between them like a guillotine disguised as mercy.
The mastermind's smile never wavered.
Waiting. Watching.
A predator offering a way out — only to see what kind of prey she truly was.
Clara inhaled shakily.
Then — she reached forward.
Her fingers closed around the keycard.
The mastermind's smile widened like a blooming rose.
"There we are," he said softly. "You finally chose yourself."
Clara forced her lips into a weak smile. "I… I understand now."
He nodded in satisfaction.
"Good girl."
The same words he had once used as a threat.
Now she let them settle like poison in her chest — because she needed him to believe.
He stood, offering his hand. She hesitated only a second before taking it.
"Leave tonight," he said. "Before Daniel's dogs sniff you out. My men won't follow you. This is… a clean goodbye."
His thumb brushed lightly over her knuckles — almost tender.
"If you ever regret," he whispered with a knowing smirk, "you know where to find me."
Clara kept her expression soft.
But inside?
Her resolve turned to steel.
Outside — In the Empty Courtyard
The cold night air hit her like a slap.
She clutched the keycard so tightly her palm bled from its sharp edge.
Her legs trembled — not from fear…
But from the sheer effort of holding the act.
She stumbled behind a stone wall, pulled out a tiny transmitter hidden in her shoe lining, and whispered one breathless word into it.
"Daniel."
Static.
Then his voice, low and sharp.
"Clara. Location."
She exhaled — half relief, half terror.
"Tracking active. I—I'll get closer," she whispered.
Daniel's tone hardened.
"We're coming. Don't let him vanish again."
Clara closed her eyes.
Tears slipped silently down her cheeks.
And for the first time…
She didn't feel like a snake.
She felt like a soldier.