At that moment, hearing what Benjamin just said about the K-Zone, a heavy silence swept across the room. Raymond's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight. The reality hit everyone at once—Valentina had been taken to a place no one thought to check, a dead zone, forgotten and avoided, and they had left her to face it all alone. Rage and guilt surged through Raymond's veins like wildfire. He couldn't help but blame himself. He had promised her safety, sworn he'd protect her no matter what—but now, she was out there, maybe suffering, maybe worse, and all because they underestimated their enemies.
Benjamin could feel the tension rising in the air. His heart pounded—not out of fear for himself, but fear of what this failure could cost them all. He lowered his eyes, ashamed, unsure what else to say. But Raymond wasn't looking for apologies. He was already thinking ahead.
