Chapter 6: Clash of Wills
The rain had subsided, leaving the ruined city damp and heavy with silence. The squad gathered again at their rooftop camp, exhaustion etched into their faces—except Elara, who seemed only more restless.
"I swear, if you people don't pick up the pace, we're dead," Elara snapped, pacing with sharp kicks at loose stones. "This whole mission is a joke if no one's willing to fight like it matters."
Zion exchanged a glance with Izan, both choosing silence over conflict. Miya avoided meeting Elara's eyes, while Rhys tightened his jaw but said nothing.
Xena sat nearby, her calm demeanor cracking as Elara's voice grew louder.
"Why do we even have to babysit these losers?" Elara sneered, eyes flicking to Xena and Miya as if daring them to respond. "Especially you, Xena. Always so damn serious—like you think you're better than everyone else."
For long moments, no one answered.
Then Xena stood without a word, stepping forward. "Enough, Elara."
Elara's head snapped up, a cruel smile spreading. "What? You gonna lecture me now? Or are you too scared to back it up?"
Xena's fingers curled into fists. "This isn't about your ego. We're a team, whether you like it or not. Your arrogance isn't helping anyone."
Elara's eyes darkened as she suddenly grabbed Xena's collar with a fierce grip, pulling her closer. "Team?" she hissed, voice low and biting. "You think I'm here to make friends? I'm here to win. You're in my way, and that's a problem."
Xena's eyes burned but she met Elara's gaze unflinchingly. "You might win battles alone, but you'll lose the war ignoring everyone else."
For a tense moment, they stood locked in silent challenge—the firelight flickering on faces taut with stubborn resolve and barely contained anger.
Elara finally released her hold with a harsh shove. "We'll see how long that idealism lasts."
As Elara stormed off, the remaining group exchanged uneasy looks. The threat within their ranks was no longer just the alien ruins or Nyxsies—it was her.