111

A/N: @vb2, thank you so very much for giving this book your golden tickets.

****

RICKIE

As the distant clang of the security bell resonated through the palace's expansive halls, a sense of urgency washed over me. My hand instinctively went to the hilt of my sword, drawing it as I began my journey toward the source of the disturbance. In the back of my mind, possibilities churned: was it an intruder who had somehow found his way into our stronghold, or perhaps one of the captives, desperate for freedom, attempting to flee?

My footsteps echoed on the cold stone floor, each step a reminder of the gravity of the situation. I wasn't alone for long; one by one, fellow gammas fell into stride beside me, their presence a silent vow of solidarity. Together, we navigated the labyrinthine corridors towards the echoing bell.