The enforcers' carts closed in rapidly, their arcane engines roaring as they gave chase. A booming voice echoed through a loudspeaker, the words crackling with authority.
"This is the Enforcers! You are to cease your vehicle and surrender immediately! This is your final warning!"
Zafron's grip tightened on the cart's controls, his knuckles turning white. "Like hell I'm surrendering," he growled, his eyes narrowed in determination.
Beside him, Matilda's face was a mask of terror. "Zafron, maybe we should—"
"No!" he cut her off, his voice sharp. "I'm done running. I'm done being treated like a criminal when all I've done is try to protect the ones I love."
He pressed the accelerator, the cart lurching forward with a burst of speed. The enforcers' warning blared out again, followed by a bright flash and a thunderous boom as a warning shot streaked past them.
Matilda screamed, clutching the sides of the cart. "Zafron, stop! They'll shoot us down!"
