The city was a labyrinth of shadows and secrets, each alleyway a passage into the unknown. Max and Elena moved through the maze of streets, their footsteps echoing in the silence of the night. They had escaped Vargas's men for now, but they knew they were never far behind.
The rain had eased to a drizzle, the slick streets reflecting the neon glow of the city. Max's senses were on high alert, every nerve tingling with the anticipation of danger. Elena walked beside him, her eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of pursuit.
"We need to find a place to lay low," Max said, his voice low and urgent. "Somewhere off the grid."
Elena nodded, her jaw set in determination. "There's an old safe house a few blocks from here. It's abandoned, but it should be secure."
They quickened their pace, ducking into narrow alleys and darting across deserted streets. The city seemed to close in around them, its oppressive presence weighing heavy on their shoulders.
