Cassie's pulse pounded in her ears as she led the way through the river's churning current. The cold seeped into her bones, numbing her muscles as she pushed forward, each step a battle against the relentless flow. Anya's breathing was ragged behind her, and Erik's eyes darted between the approaching agents and the far riverbank, calculating their chances of escape.
A gunshot echoed across the water, a sharp crack that sent a jolt of adrenaline racing through Cassie. The bullet hit the river behind them, sending up a spray of icy droplets. She gritted her teeth and quickened her pace, pulling Anya along when she stumbled.
"Keep moving!" Erik shouted, his voice strained as he kept his hand steady on Anya's shoulder. "We're almost there!"
The far bank loomed closer, a promise of safety just out of reach. But behind them, the agents were gaining ground, their dark uniforms cutting through the river like hunting wolves. Cassie glanced back just in time to see one of them raise his weapon. She ducked instinctively, the shot zipping past her shoulder, too close for comfort.
They reached the muddy bank, scrambling up the slick incline with desperate energy. Erik extended a hand, hoisting Anya up as Cassie pulled herself over the edge, gasping for breath. The warehouse Erik had mentioned stood a short distance away, its steel walls rusting and weathered but solid—a fortress compared to the open river.
"Inside, now!" Erik ordered, his voice a harsh rasp. Cassie and Anya bolted for the warehouse, Erik covering their retreat with a sidearm pulled from his soaked jacket. Shots cracked behind them, and Erik returned fire, slowing the agents' advance.
Cassie reached the heavy, corroded door first, yanking it open with all her strength. The metal groaned in protest, but it gave way just enough for them to slip inside. The warehouse smelled of oil and damp concrete, long abandoned by its original occupants. Crates were stacked haphazardly against one wall, and broken machinery lay scattered across the floor like forgotten relics.
Erik followed them in, slamming the door shut and bolting it with a rusted metal bar. He turned to Cassie, chest heaving. "We need to find another exit. They won't take long to break through."
Cassie's mind raced, eyes scanning the room for any escape route. A metal staircase led up to a catwalk that wound around the warehouse. She pointed to it. "Up there. We might be able to find a window or another door."
Anya nodded, her face pale but determined. "Let's move."
They climbed the staircase, the metal creaking under their weight. Every sound seemed amplified, echoing off the high ceilings as if announcing their position to the agents outside. Cassie reached the catwalk first, peering over the edge just as the first loud thud hit the main door.
"They're trying to break in," Anya said, her voice tight with fear.
Erik clenched his jaw. "They'll succeed if we don't find another way out. Check those windows."
Cassie rushed to the nearest window, fingers searching for a latch. The old frame resisted, but after a few hard tugs, it gave way, sending a gust of frigid air into the warehouse. She leaned out, eyes darting across the alley below. It was narrow and strewn with debris, but empty. No backup—at least, not yet.
"Down there," Cassie said, gesturing to the alley. "We can jump."
Erik and Anya joined her, Erik's eyes narrowing as he assessed the drop. "It's a risk, but better than waiting for them to box us in."
A shuddering crash echoed from below as the metal bar splintered. The agents were inside. Cassie didn't hesitate—she swung her legs over the window ledge and dropped. The impact jarred her knees, but she kept her balance, turning back to help Anya.
Anya hesitated for a fraction of a second before following, landing with a soft grunt. Erik was last, rolling as he hit the ground to absorb the fall. The sound of footsteps and shouts carried through the open window above them, a warning that time was running out.
"Go!" Erik urged, pushing Cassie forward.
They ran down the alley, the cold seeping deeper into their clothes. The streets of Prague were waking up, the hum of early commuters unaware of the hunt taking place in their midst. Cassie led them through a maze of streets and side alleys, guided by sheer instinct and a mental map of the city she'd memorized long ago.
Finally, they ducked into a small courtyard sheltered by ivy-covered walls. Cassie leaned against the cold stone, catching her breath, her pulse slowing to a steady drum. Anya sank down beside her, shivering uncontrollably. Erik paced the perimeter, eyes scanning for movement.
"We can't keep running like this," Anya whispered. Her eyes were wide, haunted by fear and exhaustion.
Cassie met her gaze, the weight of their situation pressing down on her like a vice. "We won't have to. We're not going to play defense anymore."
Erik paused, brow furrowing as he looked at her. "What are you thinking?"
Cassie stood, determination hardening her features. "It's time to take the fight to them. We know where the list is, and we know they'll keep coming for it. So we make our move first."
Anya's expression shifted, a spark of hope glimmering beneath her fatigue. "You mean…?"
"We're going after the list," Cassie confirmed. "But on our terms. If we're smart, we can use it as leverage. Make them come to us."
A rare smile touched Erik's lips, sharp and approving. "About time we took back the advantage."
Cassie felt the fire rekindle inside her. The fear was still there, an ever-present shadow, but it no longer controlled her. They were done running. The next move would be theirs.
The agency thought they held all the cards. But Cassie was about to show them how wrong they were.