Astrid did not loosen her grip.

The blade stayed firm beneath the guard’s chin, angled just enough to make the threat unmistakable without drawing blood. Her stance was steady despite the cramped cell, shoulders tight, breath controlled, blue eyes locked past the man she held and onto Bobby.

“Then make him back away,” she said, her voice cold and even, carrying more control than panic. “Because the next step is yours, not mine.”

Bobby just nodded. Bobby knew he had to do something else or else the warrior would get very badly injured. Bobby ask "why not take me instead of him? I am the only one who knows how to get past these warriors without them knowing." Bobby is telling the truth. Bobby said "I can get you out of here." He knew his caption would be angry with him but it was the only way.

But then Astrids injury got the best of her and she let go of the guard

Bobby immediately grab the other guard. Bobby closed the door with him inside the cell with her. Bobby said "this is probably going to be stupid of me."

Astrid’s breath caught sharp in her chest as the door sealed shut, the sound of it cutting through the cell like a verdict.

For a second, she didn’t move.

She stayed pressed where she was, one hand braced tight against her injured side, her knuckles pale from the pressure. Her eyes lifted to him slowly—wary, fever-bright, and edged with pain she was trying too hard to hide.

“Probably?” she rasped, her voice low and rough.

A faint, humorless breath left her.

“You lock yourself in a cell with someone you helped put here…” Her gaze flicked to the door, then back to him. “And you’re only probably sure it’s stupid?”

She shifted like she wanted to stand straighter, but the movement pulled at whatever injury she was hiding. Her jaw tightened. She refused to make a sound.

“Why are you in here?” she asked, quieter now, but no less guarded. “To finish what they started… or to pretend you suddenly grew a conscience?”