The blinding spotlight pinned Johannes and Anya against the brick wall. The authoritative voice barked once more.
"Drop your weapon! Surrender now!"
Johannes's mind raced. They were cornered, their escape routes severed by the encroaching soldiers. But surrender wasn't an option—not with Anya, not with the revolution depending on him.
He leaned closer to her, his voice low but firm. "When I move, you run. Do you understand?"
Her eyes widened with panic. "Johannes, no—"
"Do you understand?" he repeated, his tone brooking no argument.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded.
The soldiers were closing in. Johannes's sharp eyes caught movement in the shadows beyond the glaring light—a second unit preparing to flank them. There was no time for hesitation.
"Now!" he shouted, shoving Anya toward the narrow alley on their left.
