The cold wind cut through the trees, sending shivers down my spine as I held Ava tightly to my chest. My breath came in shallow gasps, my heart pounding so loudly that it drowned out the eerie stillness of the forest. We had run far enough to put distance between us and Ferraro's men, but I knew it wouldn't last. They would find us. And Martha… she would help them.
Martha's betrayal still burned inside me, twisting into something darker with each passing moment. It felt surreal, like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. I kept replaying her words in my head—*surrender to Ferraro and he'll spare Ava*—as if she truly believed that. But I knew better. Ferraro didn't spare anyone. He would take everything if I let him.
I crouched low behind a thick tree, clutching Ava close, her soft whimpers muffled against my chest. Her small body trembled, and I stroked her hair gently, whispering reassurances that I wasn't sure I believed myself.
