Page 109 of Rescuing Sophia

“Those notes you left were crucial.” Mitzy’s fingers pause over her keyboard. “We already initiated Protocol Zero after Mia Chen’s rescue, so we were well situated for such an attack.”

“Protocol Zero?” Confusion flickers across Sophia’s face.

“It’s a failsafe we put in place to protect Guardian HQ in case of a breach.” Sam leans forward, his elbows on the table.

The conversation continues, with Sophia detailing every aspect of Malfor’s operation she can remember. Time passes, the coffee gets refreshed, and still, we press on. Violet remains quiet, her eyes distant, lost in her memories.

After a few hours, Sam, Skye, CJ, and Mitzy excuse themselves, moving to a corner of the room for a hushed conversation. When they return, Sam’s attention turns to Violet.

“Violet, we want to hear your story too. Anything you can tell us about Malfor’s operations is important,” Sam says gently.

Violet flinches at the sound of her name. Her gaze snaps toSam. She opens her mouth to speak, then closes it, shaking her head.

Skye leans forward, her voice gentle. “It’s okay, Violet. You’re safe here. Take your time. But first, we have something for you. Are you up for a visitor?”

Violet’s brow furrows in confusion, but she nods hesitantly.

The door opens, and Rebel steps into the room. She’s older than Violet but has the same fiery red hair and high cheekbones. Her eyes scan the room before landing on Violet, widening in disbelief.

“Oh my God.” Rebel breathes the words. “Vi?”

“R-Rebel?” Violet stands so fast her chair falls over backward.“It can’t be…”

The room falls silent as the two women gaze at each other, years of separation hanging between them like a tangible weight. Then, with a choked sob, Rebel rushes forward, enveloping Violet in a fierce embrace.

“I thought I’d lost you forever,” Rebel whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “My little sister…”

I look on, moved by the reunion but feeling like an intruder in a deeply personal moment.

Violet clings to Rebel, her body shaking with silent sobs. Tears stream down both their faces as they hold each other, years of pain and longing pouring out in this moment of reunion.

Ethan stands and moves to Rebel’s side. He places a supportive hand on her back, his eyes glistening with emotion as he watches the sisters reunite.

After what seems like an eternity, they pull apart, tear-streaked faces breaking into watery smiles. Rebel cups Violet’s face in her hands, studying her as if memorizing every detail.

“You’ve grown so much,” Rebel says softly, her voice catching. “I’ve missed so much…”

Violet manages a shaky laugh, wiping at her eyes. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

“Where’s your…” Rebel’s voice catches, her eyes meeting Ethan’s with gratitude and regret. “I tried finding your child. I did things I wish I hadn’t done.” She swallows hard, tears threatening to spill over. “But I never stopped looking. Never.”

The sisters cling to each other, years of separation dissolving in a flood of tears and whispered words. A knot forms in my throat as I watch them, an ache blooming in my chest.

My thoughts drift to Sophia and Luke, their presence a harsh reminder of how drastically my world has shifted in mere days. Everything I thought I knew is turned upside down.

Sam clears his throat gently. “I hate to interrupt but, Rebel, your experience might be invaluable here. Would you be willing to stay and help Violet tell her story?”

Rebel nods, keeping an arm around her sister’s shoulders as they sit down. “Of course. Whatever I can do to help.”

With Rebel’s reassuring presence, Violet begins. Her voice grows stronger as she recounts her years in captivity, the horrors she witnessed, and the bits of information she managed to glean about Malfor’s operation.

“The security was tight.” Violet’s voice is stronger now, growing more confident. “But there were patterns, routines. I started to notice things, especially in the last few months.”

CJ leaned forward, his interest piqued. “What kind of things?”

“Guard rotations, delivery schedules. And there was a room… A room no one was allowed to enter except Malfor and a few of his top men.”

Forest exchanged a glance with Sam. “Sounds like it could be his command center.”

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