CHAPTER 45

(RHEA’S POV)

Click, Bang!

The sound echoed in my ears, a terrifying prelude to what I thought would be my last moment.

I squeezed my eyes shut, expecting the agony of a bullet tearing through me. But instead of fiery pain, a sharp crack split the air as a whip lashed across my shoulder, sending a shockwave of pain that ripped a scream from my throat.

"Ah!"

I staggered forward, disoriented by the unexpected assault, the familiar sting of the whip searing into my skin. I felt my hands were suddenly yanked together, bound tightly, trapping me in a helpless crouch.

Blinking through the haze of pain, I opened my eyes to a sight both surreal and maddening—Atlas' backyard, the familiar basketball hoop taunting me with its normalcy in this twisted nightmare.

And there she was—Kaida—still alive, standing above me in a loose T-shirt, her expression cold despite the blazing sun. Its heat pressed down on me. The dry air cracking my lips and parching my throat.

Crack!

Another lash struck, this tim