The captain rushed forward, gripping the small magic device tightly. His palms were sweaty and his heart hammered as he pressed it against Liana's cuff.
In an instant, the seal broke. The glowing lines on the cuff dimmed, and the heavy lock clattered to the wagon floor.
The captain gulped, unable to meet her sharp gaze. Wordlessly, he handed the device to her with both hands, as if offering it to a queen.
Liana grabbed it without hesitation, her expression cold, and pressed it against the restraints on her knees. Another click echoed as the cuff loosened. Without pausing, she leaned toward Gloria and used the device on her bindings.
The cuffs snapped open one by one, the wrists, then the knees. Finally, she pulled away the cloth gag from Gloria's mouth.
Both women were free.
The air turned heavy instantly, a chilling aura spreading through the wagon.
