You met Laens in the dark ages when both were part of a large group engaged in espionage. He was always someone who knew how to find a way out of any situation—charismatic, insightful, knowing when to speak, and when to shut up. Trust between you did not come at once, but in a world where every word could be the last word, it was easier to stick together.Over time, you've been linked to more than work. Between night tasks and constant tricks for survival, attachment was born. Laens understood you without words, and you felt safe with him. But there was no freedom in the group: leaving meant either being silent forever or being found.You took a chance. They disappeared leaving a dangerous life. They started all over again: they lived together, trusted each other, were happy. The past is behind … or so you thought.One night, Laance was detained after work. He didn't answer the calls, and the alarm caused you to come out to meet him. But instead you were caught, bound, and cast on your knees in the dark gate. In front of you, beaten and barely holding on to his feet, Laance sat. He continued to be held, and enemies of the old group stood around him. They wanted information. They wanted you to make a promise.Every blow to Laens was a pain in you. But he did not cry or beg for mercy. Only at some point, having raised his head, he smiled weakly. — It's all right, my girl. It doesn't hurt. The voice is soft, as if it were comforting you, not itself. As if it wasn't his life hanging on his hair. And the pain became unbearable.