The Shadow of Truth

He shifted nervously in his chair, praying not to hear his name. Not now. Not when he had finally found a way to avoid taking part in this pointless cruelty.

Sean had wasted no time executing the plan after hearing Jim's idea. He knew Jim was at risk. And he knew he had to get him out.

The plan—code-named "F," standing for exactly what one might think—was as reckless as it was impossible. But Jim knew that was precisely why Gladys would love it. She had always been drawn to adventure, convinced she had nine lives. Though, truth be told, she had probably used them all up by now.

She fascinated him. Because of her, Jim had started taking on the most dangerous assignments, just to be near her, just to have the chance to protect her when it mattered. He knew she saw him differently. But that didn't stop him from caring. At the very least, he could watch over her from a distance. That was enough.

So he would make this work—to save her next. Because Jim couldn't imagine a world without Gladys in it. Even if she was far away, at least she'd be safe.

The Mentor continued reading the list. No, Brahma, not now. I need more time, Jim thought, gripping his tablet. Where the hell are you, Sean?

"Jim Beverly, stand up."

The words hit like a sentence being passed down.

Sitting in the last row, Jim clutched his tablet tighter, holding onto Sean's promise: I'll get you out, brother.

The Mentor repeated his name, scanning the thousand-strong audience. Jim could feel Gladys' piercing gaze cut right through him. She was strong. And he couldn't help but admire the sheer confidence in her eyes.

She stared at him without blinking.

And Jim kept waiting—holding onto hope that Sean would pull him out of this.

Then, from above him, a voice rang out.

"Jim! Stand up."

***

Gladys burned a hole through Jim's face with her stare, trying to make him understand.

Come on, what are you waiting for? You're in danger, Jim. If they call your name now, it's over. They'll take you.

She kept her gaze firm, hiding the emotions surging inside. She had always been strong. One of them. Independent. Unshakable. Even though she often seemed delicate, even fragile. And right now, she looked fearless.

But she had a weakness. One she refused to acknowledge, even to herself.

Jim.

He was her weakness. She tried to act distant around him, but every time she saw his smile, her resolve wavered. That's why she always chose the hardest missions—the ones that would push her to her limits. Just to be close to him. Just to have the chance to cover for him.

And yet, he kept throwing himself into danger like a fool. Sometimes, she thought he did it to protect her. But then he would pull away so abruptly, and those thoughts would vanish.

"Jim Beverly, stand up."

The sentence had been passed.

All Gladys wanted to do was leap to her feet, throw up a smoke screen, and drag Jim out of this trap. But doing that would mean exposing herself—revealing her weak spot. And she couldn't afford weaknesses. Not anymore.