The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

After several rounds, her attention shifted from the screen to Bryson, who had been feigning sleep, his eyes closed and his breathing even.

Despite the noise, he seemed undisturbed.

Hannah studied him intently, a small frown creasing her forehead.

Even after all this time together, Bryson remained an enigma to her.

“Am I that fascinating to look at?”

Bryson murmured without opening his eyes, catching Hannah off-guard.

Hannah’s cheeks warmed, and she turned her attention back to her phone with a huff.

“Don’t flatter yourself.

”

One eyebrow arched, Bryson finally opened his eyes, meeting her gaze with a playful spark.

“Why not? Might as well consider me a narcissist.

”

“Humph!” was all Hannah managed, her mock annoyance failing to mask her embarrassment.

As the evening crept in, around 7 o’clock, Hannah slipped into a sharp, tailored suit.

She pulled her hair back into a sleek, high ponytail and settled a peaked cap on her head, her beautiful eyes the only feature fully visible beneath its brim.

Bryson opted for a casual look, a black sports coat that toned down his usually commanding presence.

To any onlooker, he might have passed for a college student, his youthful features belying his true age.

Together, they looked more prepared for a leisurely spring outing than a visit to the clandestine Jade Paradise.

Hannah and her associate Charlie took the lead, driving off to a secluded spot.

Once parked, Charlie adjusted his hat and turned to Hannah with a serious tone.

“Miss Moore, give me a moment to ensure everything is secure.

When I signal with one finger, make your way in through the same entrance we used last time.

”

“Okay.

”

Charlie exited the vehicle and surveyed the area with practiced caution.

After a few tense moments, he turned and gave the agreed-upon signal.

Hannah unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Dotson and the others crammed in the back.

“Let’s move.

”

They slipped out of the car and into the night; the coast was clear.

As they entered the familiar tunnel, darkness enveloped them, the path ahead swallowed by shadow, as if stepping into the mouth of some great beast.

Charlie immediately flicked on his flashlight, casting eerie shadows against the damp walls.

He hushed his companions with a stern whisper.

“Keep it down from here on.

We’ve got fewer guards, but they’re not your garden-variety brutes.

They’re lethal.

Noise is our enemy; it’ll turn us into cornered mice in a heartbeat.

”

Beside him, Hannah walked in silence, her thoughts as dark as the corridor they navigated.

Dotson, peering nervously into the oppressive darkness, couldn’t help but comment, “Does anyone else feel like we’ve stepped into a dungeon?”

“It’s precisely that,” Hannah responded grimly, her thoughts drifting to the images of caged women she’d seen before.

“It’s a prison in all but name.

”

“Shh! Wait!”