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To her surprise, she noticed Elise and Jack hovering close by.

Even Ryder nodded at her in solidarity.

It reminded her of an important lesson. One she’d been close to forgetting.

There were far more good people in the world than there were bad. It didn’t always seem that way because evil tended to be louder.

But hope resided in the quiet moments.

It was the subtle glances of unity from strangers. The gentle touch of Takeshi’s hand wrapped around her hair in the middle of the night. It lived in Serene’s laugh and Winnie’s conviction to make the world a better place.

That was why she lifted the pickaxe and started hammering away.

If others didn’t have a voice, she would scream for them. Because that’s what life had taught her.

To give all of herself.

Hours later, she nearly fainted with relief when the alarm sounded. She nearly puked on the floor when they left the tunnels. It felt like her head was banging against a brick wall.

When Khalani sat with her bowl of food, she put her head between her knees, trying to find stability on the solid ground.

Soft hands pulled the sweaty hair off her neck, tying it into a messy bun. She lifted her head and found Elise sitting back, nodding at her.

“Better?”

Khalani managed the barest smile. “Yeah.”

Right at that moment, Jack and Ryder appeared. And much to everyone’s surprise, they sat down with them.

“What are you doing?” she frowned, under the impression they were supposed to be keeping their distance in camp.

“We need to talk.” Jack stared pointedly at Elise and her mumbling father, who fiddled with the Prometheus ring on his finger. “Leave us,” he commanded.

“No,” Khalani shot back, fighting through the dizziness. “They’re staying.”

“They’re not a part of our group.”

“They’re a part ofmygroup.” Her voice lashed out like the snap of a chain.

From the moment they entered camp, Elise was the only one to look out for them. Despite her reservations, she showed up for Khalani when she didn’t have to.

Khalani refused to leave camp without ensuring Elise and her father escaped as well.

Jack’s lips formed a pale, thin line as Elise cocked her head in confusion. It wasn’t until Takeshi gave a subtle nod of approval that Jack turned his attention to Elise.

“What’s spoken here doesn’t leave this group. Betray us, and I’ll bury your father’s limbs in every corner of Hermes,” he warned in a chilling voice that sucked the air out of the cavern.

“Unlikesomepeople, I know how to hold my tongue, Jack,” Elise hissed, leaning forward. “But threaten my father again, and I’ll slice every artery you possess with your own deck of cards.”

“Good. Glad we have a mutual understanding.” Jack nodded, seemingly unfazed by her threat, as if her violent promise actually made himmorecomfortable.

“What’s the plan?” Takeshi cut in impatiently.

Jack turned to him, taking a deep breath. “Ryder and I have communicated with some of our members here in camp. They’re all in place and ready to act. Tomorrow, when the Aces arrive, we’ll attack the Dealers and take off these cuffs.”

“How are they going to break in?” Khalani’s stiff spine straightened, the pain and nausea momentarily forgotten as anticipation filled her veins.

“Spade is smart enough to know that a big distraction is needed to get us out. I’d expect something…explosive.”