Elena’s POV
After shutting down the video feed, I transferred the file to my encrypted system and forwarded it directly to the general’s secure email. The message would reach him within minutes, and then we’d discover whether our evidence was compelling enough to earn his support.
My next stop was the medical facility, where the doctor was already preparing the examination room. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled my nostrils as he readied the equipment for another blood sample. The needle’s sharp prick had become routine, though I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that my blood held secrets we were only beginning to understand.
Returning to the packhouse, I found Damien sprawled across the living room carpet with both children. His deep laughter resonated through the space as Caleb climbed over his broad shoulders while the other child played nearby, their giggles filling the air.
"Everything go smoothly?" I asked, settling onto the floor beside them.
"Define smoothly." His voice carried an edge that made my chest tighten.
"What’s bothering you?" I reached out to brush a strand of hair from Caleb’s forehead.
"This entire damn strategy. I can’t stand the thought of you walking into their trap." His jaw clenched as he spoke.
"Damien, we’ve discussed this repeatedly. The plan only succeeds if I’m the one who goes in." I kept my tone steady despite the flutter of anxiety in my stomach.
"That’s exactly what’s driving me insane. Why can’t we send Marcus back instead?" His eyes blazed with frustration.
"Because they’ll execute him the moment he steps foot in that place and vanish before we can track them. They won’t kill me." The words felt heavier each time I spoke them.
"How can you be so certain? What if they’ve decided you’re more valuable dead than alive?" His voice dropped to a whisper, mindful of the children’s presence.
"Then I’d already be six feet under. You know that as well as I do." I met his intense stare without flinching.
"Maybe." He didn’t sound convinced.
"Trust me on this. Everything will work out exactly as we planned." I infused confidence into my voice that I wasn’t entirely feeling.
"Will the lab be able to produce enough synthetic blood?" His question reminded me of the countless variables still in play.
"That’s the hope. But I need to test it on our captive downstairs first. We have to verify that the artificial version produces the same effects as the real thing." The thought of returning to that basement made my skin crawl.
"So this might be a complete waste of time." His bitter laugh held no humor.
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