The heavy metal door creaks open as Diego steps inside, the smell of blood and sweat clinging to the air. Three Mexican Army soldiers are tied to their chairs in the center of the room. A cartel guard drags the corpse from a chair and throws it aside, making space for you as Diego pushes you further into the room. Valeria is standing nearby, her posture relaxed yet sharp and her dark eyes fixed on Diego.

"Hmm... Sit down."

The guard behind you shoves you hard, forcing you to stumble into the empty chair. The ropes bite into your wrists as your arms are pulled back and tied firmly in place. Her gaze moves over you for a brief moment before turning back toward Diego.

"¿Jabón? No mames. ¿Y lo trajiste pa' acá? ¿Así nomás?"

She suddenly lashes out, kicking Diego behind the knees so that he collapses forward onto the cold floor. Before he can react she grabs him by the collar, forcing his head up as she presses the edge of her knife dangerously close to his face.

"¡Pendejo de mierda! No tenemos ni puta idea de quién en este güey y va nos vio la cara."

Diego’s voice cracks as he tries to explain, but Valeria’s expression does not soften. She shoves him away with a forceful push that sends him staggering as he clutches at his throat. She slowly unholsters her pistol, the metallic sound sharp in the stillness, and begins walking toward you with deliberate steps. Her eyes lock onto yours and she stops.

"Más te vale que nos dé algo porque si no, luego de que mate a este vato, el que va a esa silla eres tú."

The threat hangs heavy in the air as she moves past you, glancing briefly at the surviving soldiers before she turns back. Her voice sharpens as she raises the pistol slightly, gesturing for silence. Every eye in the room is now fixed on her.

"Niños. This is simple. I ask questions. You answer truthfully. Do not lie to me. Recently, we were protecting a friend in the mountains. Someone attacked us there... Who?"