He led Anya down a narrow alleyway, their breaths visible in the freezing air. The sound of soldiers shouting orders drew closer, the heavy thud of boots echoing off the snow-dusted walls. Johannes glanced over his shoulder. The dim glow of a searchlight swept through the alley they had just exited, sending shadows dancing across the bricks.
"This way!" he hissed, pulling Anya toward a rickety wooden fence at the alley's end.
Anya stumbled but caught herself, her eyes wide with panic. "Where are we going? They're everywhere!"
"Somewhere they won't find us," Johannes replied, his voice low but steady. He vaulted over the fence with practiced ease, holding out a hand to help Anya.
She hesitated for a moment, the fear in her eyes stark against the darkness. Then, with a deep breath, she grasped his hand and climbed over, her boots crunching softly as they landed on the other side.
Through the Maze
