-Kill A Dozen Men-

The cold barrel of the gun pressed harshly against Verena's temple. Behind her, the man who held the gun remained eerily still, waiting for her to make the next move. 

Ariana's eyes were fixed on her, desperate and wide, while the leader stood silently, a storm of frustration brewing in his eyes.

Verena looked down at the pen, her fingers gripping it tightly, but she didn't sign. 

She glanced up at the leader, who was watching her carefully, his jaw clenched. Then her gaze flicked to Ariana, whose face had turned an unnatural shade of pale.

Ariana's voice broke the silence, sharp and panicked. "Just do it, Verena! Please," she urged, her voice pleading. "If you don't, we're both dead."

Verena didn't respond immediately. She couldn't. She felt the weight of the gun at her head, but her resolve only strengthened. 

She threw the pen across the room with a flick of her wrist, sending it skittering across the floor. She didn't care.