Chapter 348

SILVIA "Going somewhere?" she asked mockingly. "Attempting to," I replied pleasantly. "Though your hospitality has been so wonderful, it's almost a shame to leave." "You're not leaving," she said flatly. "You're going back to your cell, and this time we're using chains you can't pick and guards who aren't idiots." "Improvement is always admirable," I agreed. "Though I have to say, your security has been remarkably poor. Have you considered hiring a consultant? Someone who actually knows how to run a proper prison?" I saw Samuel's shoulders shake slightly—suppressed laughter at my inability to stop antagonizing our captors even when we were clearly at a disadvantage. "Last chance," Elena said. "Surrender now, or we hurt you badly enough that escape becomes impossible." I considered our options. We could surrender, go back to the cell, and wait for Xenois to rescue us. Practical, sensible, likely to result in fewer injuries. But also humiliating and completely contrary to everything we'd