The Gamma entered the dimly lit apartment, the same one he had left Meret in days ago. The familiar smell of damp air and antiseptic hung heavy in the room. His boots echoed quietly against the tiled floor as he walked toward the back, where she was.

A slow, mischievous smile crept across his face when his eyes landed on her. She was tied up, weak, and barely conscious. The ropes dug into her wrists, her head drooping to the side, strands of hair sticking to her sweaty face.

“It’s been a ...