The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 897

*Drip... drip... drip...*

The heavy silence was practically crushing them.

Leilani was the first to break it.

"Don't listen to him. It's an obvious psychological trap."

"He's just trying to incite panic and make us waste our energy turning on each other. We stay calm. There has to be another way out of here."

"She's right."

Callahan's gaze was as sharp as a hawk's as he scanned the branching paths ahead in the dark. Without a second of hesitation, he gave the order.

"We're already in his web. We don't have a choice but to push through."

"Abel, keep Payton covered."

"Bason, Shaun, watch our six."

"Keep your eyes peeled. The second you notice anything out of place, call it out!"

"Leilani." He turned to look at the tense woman beside him. "Stay right behind me. Do not step out of line."

The team began moving again.

The underground network was a labyrinth of branching tunnels. Callahan briefly assessed the layout and chose what appeared to be the main artery.

Spooked by the Benefactor's chilling announcement, the group moved with painstaking caution.

The tunnel seemed endless. The oppressive silence only amplified the sound of their footfalls and ragged breathing. Every step felt like walking a tightrope over an invisible abyss.

Before they could even process the crossbow, a series of mechanical clicks echoed from deep within the walls on either side of them.

Tiny, perfectly concealed panels slid open. With a rapid succession of *thwips*, a volley of black, poisoned needles shot out like a swarm of angry hornets, raining down on the team from multiple angles.

"Get down!"

Callahan roared, throwing his body entirely in front of Leilani. His combat knife cleared its sheath in a blur of silver, deflecting the incoming projectiles with terrifying speed.

*Clink, clink, clink!*

He knocked the majority of the needles out of the air, sending them clattering harmlessly to the ground.

But in the chaotic crossfire, one needle fired from a viciously low angle slipped past his guard. It grazed the outside of his left arm, tearing cleanly through the fabric of his shirt.

A shallow, inch-long gash appeared on his bicep. Dark beads of blood instantly surfaced, blooming into a wet stain against the dark fabric.