104

The cell was dimly lit, the cold stone walls casting shadows that danced around the room. Freya sat on the floor, her expression a mix of defiance and resignation, as she awaited the inevitable. The heavy door creaked open, and Lysandra entered, her presence commanding the room’s attention.

“Freya,” Lysandra’s voice carried an air of faux sympathy, “we find ourselves in quite the predicament, don’t we?”

Freya’s eyes bore into Lysandra, her response laced with bitterness. “What do you want now, Lysandra?”

Lysandra’s lips curled into a self-assured smile. “I’m here with an offer, Freya. A way out of this cell and a chance at freedom.”

Freya’s eyebrows furrowed in suspicion. “And what’s the catch?”

Lysandra paced slowly, her gaze fixed on Freya. “I’ll be blunt,” she began. “The council is calling for your execution. They’re hungry for retribution for your betrayal.”

Freya’s eyes flickered with a mix of anger and resignation. “So, what, you’re here to gloat?”

Lysandra’s expression remaine