Athena woke slowly.

Pain pulsed through her head as she tried to move.

Her wrists were tied behind a metal chair.

She tested the restraints once.

Twice.

Nothing.

She looked around.

A dark warehouse.

Concrete walls.

One overhead light.

Several cameras.

And Richard Kane standing several feet away.

"Good morning, Athena."

She glared at him.

"If this is your idea of a hotel, I want a refund."

Kane smiled.

"Still making jokes."

"Still annoying people."

He walked toward her.

"You've made this very difficult."

Athena shrugged.

"That's kind of my thing."

Kane stopped in front of her.

"I gave you an opportunity."

"You kidnapped me."

"I offered you a place at my side."

"I'd rather die."

His expression hardened.

"That's the problem."

Kane picked up a small metal object from the table beside him.

Athena watched him carefully.

"You think you're stronger than everyone else."

"No."

She looked him directly in the eyes.

"I know I'm stronger than you."

Kane struck the table beside her.

The sudden noise made Athena flinch, but she refused to look away.

He noticed.

"You're afraid."

Athena smiled.

"Of you?"

She laughed quietly.

"Not even close."

Kane began questioning her about the Leverage team.

Where they were staying.

How they communicated.

What Nate was planning.

How Hardison accessed their systems.

Athena refused to answer.

Every time she stayed silent, Kane increased the pressure.

He deprived her of sleep.

Kept the lights glaring.

Threatened her.

Used intimidation to try to break her concentration.

But Athena wouldn't give him what he wanted.

Hours passed.

Eventually, Kane leaned toward her.

"Where is Eliot?"

Athena looked exhausted, but her eyes remained defiant.

"Probably looking for me."

Kane smiled.

"That's exactly what I'm counting on."

Athena's expression changed.

"What did you do?"

"Nothing."

He stepped closer.

"Yet."

Athena pulled against the restraints.

"Kane."

He smiled.

"You care about him."

Athena said nothing.

"That's your weakness."

"No."

Her voice was quiet.

"He's my strength."

Kane stared at her.

Then he walked away.

Athena lowered her head for a moment, breathing slowly.

She was tired.

She was hurting.

But she wasn't broken.

And Kane had made one mistake.

He had left her alone long enough to think.

Athena looked toward the nearest camera.

Then smiled.

"Come on, Eliot."

⸻

Across town, Eliot stared at the screen in Hardison's van.

Hardison was typing furiously.

"I found the warehouse."

Eliot's eyes narrowed.

"Where?"

Hardison gave him the location.

Nate immediately shook his head.

"We need a plan."

Eliot stood.

"We have one."

Sophie looked at him.

"Which is?"

Eliot grabbed his jacket.

"We get Athena."

Parker stood beside him.

"Together."

Eliot nodded.

"Together."

Hardison looked at the screen again.

"Guys..."

Everyone turned.

"I think Kane wants us to come."

Eliot's expression hardened.

"Good."

He walked toward the door.

"Because we're coming."

⸻

Back at the warehouse, Athena heard footsteps approaching.

The doors opened.

Kane walked back into the room.

But this time, he wasn't alone.

Several armed men entered behind him.

Athena slowly raised her head.

Kane smiled.

"Eliot Spencer is here."

Athena's heart jumped.

She tried to hide it.

Kane noticed anyway.

"You see?"

He leaned closer.

"Everyone has a weakness."

Athena stared at him.

"You're wrong."

Kane frowned.

Athena smiled.

"You're about to find out exactly why."

From somewhere outside came the sound of a vehicle screeching to a stop.

Then—

the warehouse lights suddenly went out.

Hardison's voice echoed through Athena's earpiece.

"Athena?"

Her eyes widened.

She hadn't even realized her earpiece was still active.

"I'm here."

Eliot's voice followed.

"Hold on."

Athena smiled through her exhaustion.

"I knew you'd come."

A loud crash came from the warehouse entrance.

Kane turned.

Athena's smile widened.

"Your mistake, Kane."

The doors burst open.

And Eliot Spencer walked through the darkness.