The first sound of footsteps crunching on the forest floor sent chills down Elizabeth's spine. The safe house suddenly felt too small, too fragile. Xavier was already in motion, checking the locks and reinforcing the windows with metal shutters. Clara typed frantically on her tablet, her brow furrowed as she tried to access nearby surveillance systems.
"How many?" Xavier asked, his voice calm but sharp.
"Too many," Clara replied. "At least a dozen—maybe more. They're fanning out to surround us."
Xavier cursed under his breath. He turned to Elizabeth, his eyes serious. "Stay here, behind the table. No matter what happens, don't come out."
Elizabeth's stomach twisted. "I'm not just going to hide while you put yourself in danger."
Xavier gave her a hard look. "You don't have a choice. They're after me. If you're in their line of fire, you'll just make it harder for me to protect you."
