𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

48.. no one mourns the WICKED

Verena sat in her office, surrounded by her team of scientists and soldiers. She was poring over maps, charts, and reports, strategizing her next move. 

Her expression was stoic, giving away nothing of her thoughts or plans. One of her scientists walked up to her, presenting several documents. "Ma'am, the latest updates on the Cranks."

Verena took the documents, skimming through the information quickly. She nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on the reports. "Progress?" She inquired, her voice as cold and calculated as ever.

The scientist shifted nervously, his eyes avoiding her gaze. "The trials have been... difficult. The subjects aren't responding as expected. We're seeing more aggressive, unpredictable behavior. It's becoming increasingly difficult to control them."

Verena's eyes narrowed slightly, her hands clenched around the papers. "And the rebels? What of them?" 

Her question was more pointed now, her attention focusing on the situation with the rebels.

Another scientist approached, this time with a tablet filled with detailed data. 

"They've eluded us so far, ma'am. But we have multiple squads tracking them. They won't be able to hide for much longer."

Verena studied the tablet the scientist had given her, her eyes locked on the map and data about the rebel base.

Her gaze was calculating, analyzing the information. "Have we pinpointed their exact location yet?" She inquired.

The scientist shook his head apologetically. "No, ma'am. They're being very careful and evasive. They seem to be using various methods to throw off our trackers."

Verena's eyes darkened with frustration. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. 

"Then we need to be even more strategic." She slammed a hand on the table in front of her. "I want every single piece of data we have on the rebels to be reanalyzed. I want to know how they're able to avoid us and find their weak spots. Get on it."

The scientists nodded in agreement and quickly dispersed, returning to their workstations to analyze and process the data gathered on the rebels. 

"This is a war, and I will not let these rebels continue to slip through our grasp."

Thinking about Vincent and Vivian filled Verena with an intense mixture of anger and resentment. She despised them both for their escape and betrayal, especially knowing how much trouble it had caused for WICKED. 

"Those two," she hissed, her voice full of bitterness. "They think they can undermine WICKED and get away with it. We'll see about that."

Verena was well aware that to complete her plan, Thèrèse's involvement would be critical.

As Carter's daughter, Thèrèse held a unique connection to the inner workings of WICKED. Verena knew she could use that to her advantage.

The only problem is, Thèrèse had rejected WICKED and aligned herself with the Gladers, becoming part of the rebel fighter.

Verena was willing to do whatever it took to get Thèrèse to work for WICKED again. 

"Thèrèse might have turned traitor for now," Verena said, "but I will make her see the truth. I will bring her back."

Just as Verena was deep in thought, a tall figure entered the room. It was Victor, Verena's loyal and trusted right-hand man. He walked up to her side, his expression serious.

"There's no point in trying to get her back, Verena. Carter lost, Ava lost, Janson lost."

Verena bristled at Victor's words, her irritation evident. She shot him a sharp glare.