Luca grabbed Sophia's hand and pulled her with him. They began running, trying to keep discreet and quiet as they navigated the estate's darkened paths. Every sound seemed amplified in the tense silence, and Sophia's heart pounded in her chest.
"We have to stay low," Luca whispered, guiding her behind a tall hedge as they heard footsteps approaching. "Come on, there's a secret exit."
Two men walked past, conversing in hushed tones. Luca and Sophia held their breath, waiting until the men were out of earshot before continuing.
They ducked behind large trees, avoiding the patrolling men. Every few minutes, they had to stop and wait for another group to pass.
Finally, they reached a secluded part of the estate where a small, almost invisible gate was hidden by thick ivy. Only Luca, Diego, and his late aunt Leona knew about this exit. Luca pushed aside the ivy, revealing the gate.
