Chapter 107:

The Spark of Defiance

Elira

My heart leaps fiercely as I stare at Selena, her familiar, resolute face cutting through the oppressive darkness like a sharp spark of undeniable hope.

For a second, I simply cannot move. It feels completely unreal to see her standing here, alive, right in front of me, in this terrifying place. I hit her shoulder lightly, my voice sharp with panicked frustration.

“Are you insane, or just crazy?” I ask, pulling her closer. “Why did you come here? ...