Rain
They shoved me hard through the doorway, and the heavy door slammed shut behind us with a loud clang. I heard the bolt slide into place.
I barely had time to get my footing before Mara spun on me.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" she shouted, her voice sharp and panicked. "Why did you have to provoke them like that? Have you lost your mind, you idiot?!"
I didn't even flinch. The anger in her voice only fed mine.
"And you're very stupid for calling me names," I snapped back. "What was I supposed to do, huh? Stand there like some weak fool and let them tie me to those barbaric dwarves who murder infants for sport?"
"I never said that," she shot back, her voice breaking. "I just—"
"You just what?" I cut her off, stepping closer. "Go on, say it. What brilliant plan did you have in mind? Tell me, Mara. Since you clearly know better, I'd love to hear it."
The room went tense, the air thick with unspoken fear and exhaustion.
