Chapter 374

Liam's voice was sharp with urgency. "Where did they take you? What did they do?"

Evelyn moved closer, her hand shielding their conversation from prying ears. Her whisper was barely audible. "I struck a deal with them. I promised to reveal hydronium's location if they spared your life."

Liam's expression darkened instantly. "You told them?"

She nodded, brows knitting in confusion. "What's wrong?"

"If they find hydronium, your identity will be exposed." His words were laced with barely contained panic.

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "Yes. Only Cassandra Wright knows its exact coordinates. Once they retrieve it, they'll know who I really am."

"Did you lie to them?"

"No," she admitted. "I told them it's secured in a high-security facility in Solterra. It won't be easy to obtain."

Liam released her abruptly, fingers raking through his hair in agitation. His mind raced with restless thoughts.

Evelyn reached for his hand, her touch feather-light. "Liam, if I hadn't cooperated, neither of us would be alive. This is our only chance to get you back to Aldenria safely."

A sharp pang twisted in his chest. Without hesitation, he growled, "I'm not leaving you behind."

"We leave tomorrow," she murmured.

Closing the distance, Evelyn pressed her palm against his chest. The unexpected contact made Liam stiffen, his pulse accelerating beneath her fingertips.

"Are your injuries healed?" Her voice was soft, almost tender.

A faint smile tugged at his lips. She could have just asked, but she chose to check for herself.

Gently, he caught her wrist and guided it away, his voice rough. "Yes."

"Do you have a plan?"

Liam scanned their surroundings. "I need a weapon. Tomorrow, arrange a meeting with Julian Prescott. Find an excuse to bring me along."

"You're using him as leverage?"

"Yes," he confirmed, his resolve unshakable.

Evelyn tilted her head. "Why not Victor Holloway?"

"Victor's influence is long gone," Liam muttered, rummaging through the cupboard. "If he still had power, he wouldn’t have dared lay a finger on me."

She sighed. "Julian is ruthless."

Liam picked up a toothbrush, turning it over in his hands, contemplating how to sharpen it quickly.

"Liam, are you sure about this?" Worry threaded her voice.

His jaw tightened. "Whether we succeed or fail, I won’t let you suffer here alone."

Evelyn's breath hitched. "Liam!"

Anticipating her protest, he cut in firmly, "I’d rather die than surrender."

"Fine." She stepped closer, hands settling on his shoulders as she rose onto her toes, lips brushing his ear.

The contact sent an electric jolt through him. His body tensed, heart hammering as he instinctively leaned back.

But Evelyn hooked a hand behind his neck, pulling him closer. Under her relentless proximity, his thoughts blurred. Her warm breath teased his skin, igniting a fire in his veins.

Then, in a whisper barely louder than a sigh, she murmured, "I have a gun."

Liam froze, locking eyes with her in disbelief. It sounded impossible—absurd, even.

How could she have smuggled a weapon into this heavily guarded cell?

Evelyn took his hand and led him into the bathroom.

She positioned him by the door, her voice low. "Keep watch."