Ethan's POV

The moment I was out of sight of Delilah's cell, I dropped the concerned expression and let my face relax into its natural state.

My cheeks ached. My jaw was sore from all that sympathetic smiling. Maintaining that worried, caring facade for so long was exhausting.

"Fucking finally," I muttered, massaging my face with both hands as I climbed the dungeon stairs. "I swear, playing the hero is more tiring than actually being one."

Commander Vale was waiting for me at the top of the ...