I straighten my shoulders, blocking out any hesitation. "Let's do this."
I take a seat across from Zeke, studying him intently. In interrogation, every detail matters—the twitch of an eye, a nervous tap of the fingers. I need to notice it all.
"Let's start simple," Zeke says. "I'm the hostage, you're the interrogator. Get me to talk."
We launch into the roleplaying, with Zeke pretending to be a captured enemy.
Under his guidance, I hone my ability to manipulate, threaten, and exploit psychological vulnerabilities.
I lean forward, keeping my voice low and commanding. "You'll tell me everything I want to know. Lie, and you'll regret it."
Zeke scoffs, staying defiant.
I slam my fist on the table, making him jump. "I know more than you realize," I hiss. "Cooperate now, and we'll goeasy on you."
I can see Zeke processing my words, looking for any hint of deception. I keep my expression stern, unyielding.
"Nice try," he says. "But you've got nothing on me."
I stand abruptly, grabbing a nearby tool and brandishing it in his face.
His eyes widen. I've found a weakness—he fears pain.
"Last chance," I snarl. "Tell me what I want to know!"
Zeke swallows, breaking into a nervous sweat. "Okay, okay! I'll talk, just don't hurt me..."
I lean back, victorious. The interrogation training is paying off—I'm learning to exploit every vulnerability.
We continue practicing different scenarios, my skills growing sharper. By the end, I'm manipulating Zeke effortlessly, worming any information from him. I'll be ready for Tane. For our final confrontation.
The sun sets over the jungle canopy as I make my way to the campfire, muscles aching from another intense day of training. I need these quiet moments to process it all—the endless drills, the constant pressure to improve. But, as with most things, it's the pressure I place on myself that creates the most tension.
Dom is already there, flames dancing in his dark eyes. He pats the log beside him. "Come. Sit."
I ease down, staring into the fire.
"You've come so far, Devon," Dom says gently. "We all see it."
I shake my head. "It's not enough. I need to be better. For all of us."
Dom grips my shoulder. "You're not fighting this battle alone."
"I know," I reply. "But part of me feels like this all started because of me, so I feel compelled to finish it."
Leaves crunch as Angel approaches, her vibrant hair glowing in the firelight. She sits across from us, meeting my eyes.
"You're not alone in this," she says firmly. "We're all with you."
I give a small smile. "I know. But when it comes down to it, I need to be the one who ends it." Who ends Tane, once and for all.
We discuss the upcoming confrontation, the stakes involved. They listen as I voice my doubts and fears. Their support buoys me, and keeps me focused.
By the timewe part for bed, I feel centered. Ready. Tomorrow will bring a new level of intensity. We need to be prepared when Tane comes.
The fire has died down to glowing embers as I make my way back to the training facility alone. Moonlight filters through the canopy, casting the jungle in an ethereal glow.
Inside the ring, I stand motionless, soaking in the heavy silence. This place has become a second home, every session pushing me harder, sharpening my skills for the task ahead.