CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THREE THE PLAN IN MOTION

DAPHNE'S POV I stood up, pacing the room as I started to form a plan. “I’ll wait until night,” I whispered to myself, my voice growing steadier with each word. “They won’t expect me to move after dark, and the guards might be tired, less vigilant. If I can just make it to the edge of the territory, I’ll be able to escape.” The thought brought a small glimmer of hope, a tiny spark of determination. It was risky, but it was better than sitting here doing nothing. And maybe, just maybe, I could save Javion in the process. I sat back down on the bed, my heart still pounding in my chest, but for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a sliver of control. I could do this. I had to do this. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. “You can do this, Daphne,” I told myself, my voice firmer now. “You’re stronger than you think. You’ve survived worse than this. And if you can just hold on a little longer, you’ll find a way to save him.” The tears had stopped, but