The forest stretched out before us like an endless labyrinth, the shadows thick and oppressive as we left the cabin behind. Ethan led the way, his gun drawn and his eyes scanning the darkened path ahead. William leaned heavily on him, his face pale, blood still seeping through his shirt, but his resolve as fierce as ever. He refused to let the pain slow him down, but I could see how much the injury was taking its toll on him.
Ava was nestled in my arms, her small face buried in my neck, and though she didn't speak, I could feel her trembling. Each of her soft breaths against my skin sent a pang through me, a reminder of why we couldn't stop, why we had to keep running. I whispered reassurances to her, even though my own heart was still hammering with fear. My grip on her tightened with every step, as if by holding her close, I could keep her from the chaos threatening to swallow us whole.
