CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN – BREAKING INTO THE MONSTER’S CAVE

Scarlett clung to Clara, her body wracked with sobs as the weight of Randall's words crushed her from all sides. Henry, her protector, her lover, the fierce force who'd vowed to defeat their sadistic tormentor - what if he was truly gone forever? "Shhh, it's okay," Clara murmured, rubbing soothing circles on her friend's back. "Just breathe, Scarlett. Don't let that monster get into your head." Scarlett drew in a ragged breath, her grip on Clara's arms tightening convulsively. "But what if he's right? What if Henry is..." She couldn't force out the terrible words. Clara's jaw set in a hard line. "Randall is a twisted liar who'll say anything to break you down. We can't take his claims at face value." Hope flared briefly in Scarlett's eyes. "So you think there's a chance Henry is still out there? Still fighting?" "I have to believe that," Clara said firmly. "A man as strong and determined as Henry wouldn't just give up or let himself be beaten. Not when he has you to come back to."