The pounding of our footsteps was the only sound we could hear, the world around us a blur as we raced through the streets. My heart was hammering in my chest, but I kept pushing myself harder, my focus solely on getting us out of danger. Aoi, trembling in my arms, clung to me even tighter, her small hands gripping my shirt like a lifeline.
Aiko was right beside me, Arakan tucked safely in her arms. His tiny body quivered against her, but he remained silent, his face pressed into her chest. I could tell both of our siblings were terrified, and it was all I could do to keep my own fear from overwhelming me.
"We can't stop now," Aiko said, her voice strained as she pushed herself to run faster. "We need to get to a safe place. We can't keep running like this forever."
"I know," I panted, glancing at her for a moment. "But we need to keep moving. We have to find somewhere safe, and fast."
