CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FOUR – BREAKING OUT

After training, Cassie retreated to her room, ostensibly to rest. In reality, she began the delicate process of preparing for their escape. She sorted through her meager possessions, deciding what was truly essential. A change of clothes, some cash she'd squirreled away, a small photo of Florian she'd managed to keep hidden. Everything else would have to be left behind. A knock at the door startled her. Quickly, she shoved everything under her bed. "Come in," she called out, trying to keep her voice steady. Maxwell entered, his face a mask of calm. But Cassie could see the tension in his shoulders. "How are you holding up?" he asked quietly. Cassie sighed. "I'm okay. It's just... hard. Pretending everything's normal when inside I'm screaming to take action." Maxwell nodded sympathetically. "I know. But we're almost there. Just two more days." "Have you made the arrangements for the shipment?" Cassie asked. "Yes," Maxwell replied. "I've arranged for both of us to be on the secu