Evelyn Shadow: scanning the manuscript This piece, it's nuts. Who'd've thought sculptures 'n mana crosses paths, huh?
narrows her eyes, growling Don't you dare give them any information, Em. We won't break under their torture.
whispers, trembling But, Professor... I'm scared. They have weapons...
grips Emily's hands tightly, her voice firm and determined I know they have weapons, Em. But we have something more powerful - our resolve.
voice barely audible Our resolve...but what can we do against guns and knives?
leans in close, her voice low and intense We may not have guns and knives, Em. But we have something that's more dangerous than any weapon.
eyes wide W-what's that, Professor?
smirks, her eyes glinting with determination We have our wits, Em. And we're not going down without a fight.
voice shaking W-wits...right.
grabs Emily's arm and pulls her to her feet Now listen up, Em. We're gonna use our wits to outsmart these bastards.
voice trembling O-outsmart them...how, Professor?
slams her fist against the wall, her voice filled with determination We'll find a way to escape, Em.
voice trembling Escape...b-but how? They've got us locked up tight.
grabs Emily's arm and pulls her close, speaking rapidly We'll use every trick in the book, Em. We'll create a distraction, find a weak spot, and bust our way out of here.
voice shaking A distraction...what kind of distraction, Professor?
smirks, her eyes gleaming with mischief We'll create a diversion, Em. Something big, something loud, something that'll draw their attention away from us.
voice trembling L-like what, Professor? What's our plan?
grabs Emily's arm and pulls her closer, whispering urgently We'll create a fire, Em. A fire that'll consume their precious headquarters and distract them long enough for us to make our escape.
eyes wide with fear and excitement F-fire...but how, Professor?
As Evelyn and Emily set the fire, they hear the sound of approaching guards. They sprint towards the exit, the flames roaring behind them, the guards shouting and trying to stop them.
gasping for breath Professor, we...we did it!
grabs Emily's arm and pulls her to a halt, panting heavily We made it, Em. We're free. But now we need to disappear before they catch up to us.
voice trembling D-disappear...where do we go, Professor?
pauses for a moment, her mind racing We need to find a safe place to regroup, Em. Somewhere they won't find us.
voice trembling S-safe place...I-I don't know where we go, Professor.
grabs Emily's hand and pulls her towards the nearest alleyway Don't worry, Em. I've got a plan. Trust me, I won't let anything happen to you.
voice trembling T-trust you, Professor...
pulls out a small, unassuming device from her pocket This is a communication device, Em.
voice trembling C-communication device...what for, Professor?
holds up the device, speaking rapidly We'll use it to contact allies, Em. People who owe us a favor, or at least won't bat an eye if we reach out.
voice trembling A-allyses...who, Professor?
grins mischievously Oh, you'd be surprised, Em. I've got contacts all over this city, people who owe me favors. Trust me, I won't let anyone get in our way.
voice trembling Professor, I...I trust you.
snaps the communication device open, typing a message quickly Alright, Em. We need to find a safe place to hide until our allies get in touch. Let's head to the abandoned warehouse on Elm Street. It's secluded, and they probably won't think to look there.
voice trembling W-when they respond, Professor?
grabs Emily's arm and pulls her towards the abandoned warehouse They'll respond soon, Em. Trust me, I've done this before. We just need to stay hidden until then. Keep your head down and stay quiet.
voice trembling O-okay, Professor...
pushes open the creaky door of the abandoned warehouse, leading Emily inside Stay close, Em. We'll find a safe spot to set up camp.
voice trembling C-camp...like, sleep there?
nods, scanning the room That's right, Em. We'll find a secure corner and lay low until our allies get in touch.