Only a few rooms occupied this floor, guarded at either end due to the building's configuration. Though largely confined to her room, Lily meticulously observed her surroundings whenever possible, studying even the walls.

Fred's floor was exceptionally secluded; it was, in fact, where he had previously held Yasmin captive. The confinement of two such influential Yudionians on the same floor, let alone in proximity, would have been unthinkable.

Lily glanced left and right before appearing through a window. Taking advantage of the quiet shift change, she silently dropped to the floor. Then, she heard footsteps. Quickly finding cover in a shadowed corner, she waited for a guard to pass.

She swiftly immobilized him by striking an acupuncture point. Paralyzed with fear, he could only sweat, unable to move or speak. The unprecedented experience left him convinced he was possessed.

Even Lily felt a surge of anxiety, unsure of her success. Yet, so far, so good. Breathing a sigh of relief, she thoughtfully considered the room. Returning to the guard, she searched him until she found his pistol.

Guards always carried firearms; despite her kickboxing skills, Lily knew she was no match for them unarmed. The pistol would significantly improve her odds.

As she hurried toward the door, a guard spotted her, blowing his whistle as another drew his weapon. With a swift kick, Lily disabled the second guard, stepping onto his chest. She then knocked the first guard unconscious.

Rick heard the commotion, opened his door, and emerged. Lily immediately pointed the pistol at his head. "Freeze!"

Stunned, he stammered, "It was you?"

Other guards rushed toward them, but Lily, pistol still trained on Rick, swiftly seized him. "Don't fucking move!"

The approaching guards stopped. Those inside the room were equally stunned.

Yasmin, signing, turned her wheelchair to face Lily. "What are you doing?"

Lily raised an eyebrow, pressing the gun against Rick. "Your Majesty, you know I have no choice. Get in!"

She watched as the queen entered, repeating, "You left me no choice, Your Majesty."

Yasmin looked up impassively. "Do you think holding him hostage will change my mind? Besides, even if I yielded, you still couldn't escape."

"I never expected to leave alive, but..." Lily looked toward a boy lying in bed. "Please spare Nick. He's just a child."

Yasmin sighed, her expression puzzled. "Is this really worth it, for another's child?"