Chapter 202 - Getting inside

"Good choice," Erik chuckled, easing his vice-like grip from the man's throat.

The man, gasping for air, eyed Erik with a mix of fear and defiance. For a fleeting moment, the thought of seizing this opportunity to launch an attack crossed his mind. However, the dangerous glint in Erik's eyes quickly quelled any notions of rebellion.

Erik looked at him with slight amusement, wondering if he would make a mistake and turn today into a bloodbath after all, but then the man turned to one of the guards. "Go get the girl. We'll give these people what they want. It's not like those eggheads down there have made much progress anyway."

The other guards looked uncomfortable, but they didn't dare disobey. A single glance at their comrade, who was still quivering, an orb of darkness lodged in his now vacant eye socket courtesy of Emily, served as a potent reminder of the consequences of disobedience. These were not ordinary foes they faced.