CHAPTER EIGHTY SEVEN – NOW THE REAL RESCUE BEGINS

As the door slammed shut behind them, leaving them in the dim confines of their shared room, a wave of despair threatened to engulf Scarlett. The day had been relentless, a constant barrage of physical and emotional abuse. But despair was a luxury they couldn't afford. "...Well," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips despite the exhaustion etched on her face, "that wasn't exactly a royal welcome, was it?" Scarlett managed a weak chuckle. "No, Mrs. Higgins seems to enjoy making life difficult for new recruits." They sank onto the lumpy beds, groaning at the protesting springs. Despite the harsh treatment, a sliver of hope remained. They had survived the initial vetting process, albeit battered and bruised. "At least we're in," Clara said, her voice gaining strength. "Now, the real work begins. We need to find Henry, and fast." Scarlett nodded, a fierce determination replacing the weariness in her eyes. "We'll find him, Clara. We have to." They spent the next few hours