Mikhailis and Elowen sprinted through the dense forest, the leaves and branches whipping against their skin as they pushed themselves forward. The ground was uneven beneath their feet, roots and rocks jutting out, threatening to trip them up. The forest was alive around them, the cacophony of skittering beetles closing in like an impending tidal wave of noise.
Mikhailis breathed heavily, dodging a low-hanging branch and sparing a quick glance at Elowen beside him. She looked focused, her gaze fixed ahead, her brows furrowed in concentration. Despite the situation, a grin tugged at his lips as he panted out a comment.
"Well, glad I kept up with my daily runs, huh?"
Elowen shot him a sidelong glance, her lips curving into a faint smile despite their dire circumstances.
"I never thought… we'd be running for our lives together… like this," she said between breaths, her voice light with a touch of humor, even if her eyes were serious.
