The forest was dense and unyielding, the shadows thickening around us as we moved deeper into the wilderness. Every step was a struggle, the ground uneven beneath our feet, branches snagging at our clothes, but we pressed on, knowing that stopping wasn't an option. My breath came in short gasps, my muscles burning with exhaustion, but the fear pushing me forward was stronger than any pain.
Ava clung to me, her small arms wrapped tightly around my neck as I carried her through the underbrush. She was awake now, her sleepy confusion giving way to quiet fear as she sensed the urgency in our movements. I whispered soft reassurances to her, but the truth was, I didn't know how much longer we could keep this up. We were on foot, and Ferraro's men had a vehicle—they would catch up eventually.
