Page 21 of Tank

"No," I growl, instinct overriding reason. "It's too dangerous. You're not--"

"Not what, Tank?" she challenges, her chin lifted in defiance. "Not strong enough? Not brave enough? I've survived their hell once before. I can do it again."

The room falls silent, the weight of her words settling like lead in our guts. She's right, damn it all. Who better to navigate the twisted underbelly of this operation than someone who's lived it?

I approach her, my hand reaching out to cup her face. "Sophie, are you sure? You don't have to do this."

Her eyes soften, but her resolve remains steadfast. "I do, Tank. For myself. For the others still trapped in that nightmare. I need to be part of ending this."

Pride and fear wage a war within me, but in the end, I know she's made her choice. And I'll be damned if I don't stand by her side through it all.

"Okay," I concede, my forehead resting against hers. "But we do this smart. We watch your back at every turn. You're never alone in this, you hear me?"

She nods, a flicker of relief and gratitude in her eyes. "I hear you."

As the planning continues late into the night, Sophie's hand remains firmly clasped in mine. A lifeline. A promise.

Together, we will storm the gates of hell itself. And heaven help anyone who stands in our way.

The flickering light of the lone bulb casts an eerie glow in Perdition, as if the shadows themselves are conspiring with the weight of our task ahead. Sophie's fingers tremble in my grasp, a telltale sign of the demons she's facing within. I sweep my thumb across her knuckles, a silent reminder that she's not alone in this fight.

Her eyes meet mine, and in that moment, the chaos of the world fades away. It's just us, two battered souls finding solace in each other's presence. The unspoken understanding passes between us, a language only we can decipher. She sees the determination in my gaze, the unwavering commitment to shield her from further harm.

I lean in closer, my breath ghosting over her cheek. "You're safe with me, little one. Always."

She nods, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I know, Tank. With you, I feel... I feel like I can breathe again."

The admission hits me like a freight train, the weight of her trust settling on my shoulders. It's a responsibility I gladly bear, a sacred vow to be her rock in the stormy seas ahead.

As the first rays of dawn creep through the cracks in the blinds, I know our path is set. The Iron Reapers will ride into the heart of darkness, guided by the strength of the woman beside me.

I rise to my feet, my hand never leaving hers. "Let's get you some rest, sweetheart. We've got a war to plan."

Sophie stands, her delicate frame pressed against my side. Together, we make our way to the back rooms, the promise of a few precious hours of peace before the battle begins.

In the solitude of my quarters, I hold her close, our heartbeats syncing in the quiet. The road ahead is treacherous, but with Sophie by my side, I know we'll weather any storm.

For her, I'll move heaven and earth.

For her, I'll burn the world down and rebuild it from the ashes.

She is my light in the darkness, my reason to fight.

And fight I will, until every last bastard who dared to hurt her is nothing but dust beneath our wheels.

Perdition is a hive of activity, my brothers moving with purpose as they gather intel and shore up our defenses. Masonand Dagger are hunched over a map, their faces etched with grim determination.

I approach, my boots heavy on the worn floorboards. "What's the word, boss?"

Mason looks up, his eyes fierce. "We've got a lead on their next shipment. If we move fast, we can intercept it and send a message they won't soon forget."

Dagger nods, his jaw clenched. "Those fuckers won't know what hit 'em."

I feel the rage simmering in my veins, the primal urge to protect and destroy. "Count me in. I want to be there when we take these bastards down."

Mason clasps my shoulder, his grip firm. "Wouldn't have it any other way, brother. You've got the most at stake here."

I glance back at the hallway, where Sophie is resting. "Damn right, I do. And I won't rest until she's safe and those shitstains are rotting in the ground."

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