Ava's lungs burned as she ran, the cold night air slicing through her like a blade. Her legs ached, her breath came in ragged gasps, but she didn't stop. She couldn't. The city pulsed around her, neon lights casting eerie glows on the rain-slicked pavement. Footsteps echoed behind them, too many, too close.
Noah's grip on her wrist was tight, pulling her forward as they weaved through the streets. He was bleeding, but he didn't seem to notice. Or maybe he did and just didn't care. Ava's heart pounded. They had to get out of here.
They turned a corner, slipping into a narrow alley. The walls were damp, graffiti covered, the scent of rain mixing with something metallic. Noah paused, pressing his back against the brick wall, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
Ava did the same, her pulse a wild rhythm in her ears. She tried to catch her breath, but fear made it impossible.
Noah's voice was low, barely above a whisper.
We're not safe.
Ava swallowed hard. She had known that the moment those men walked into the room.
What do we do?
Noah's eyes darted around the alley, scanning for exits, threats, anything. He was calculating, his mind moving too fast for her to follow.
We need to reach the train station. If we stay on foot, they'll catch up. We need a car.
Ava's gaze flickered to the street beyond the alley. Cars rushed by, their headlights cutting through the darkness. Stopping one wasn't an option. Not without drawing attention.
Noah must have seen the doubt in her eyes because he reached into his pocket and pulled out something small and metallic. A lockpick.
Ava's stomach clenched.
We're stealing a car?
Do you have a better idea?
She didn't.
Noah grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the main road. They stayed low, moving between parked cars like shadows. Ava's fingers trembled as adrenaline surged through her veins.
Noah stopped beside a sleek black sedan. He glanced around, then crouched by the door. The sound of metal against metal was nearly silent, but Ava felt like it was deafening.
Seconds felt like hours.
Then the lock clicked.
Noah opened the door and motioned for her to get in. She hesitated for only a second before slipping into the passenger seat. He climbed in after her, his fingers working quickly to hotwire the car.
The engine roared to life.
Ava flinched, expecting sirens, alarms, something to give them away. But the street remained the same.
Noah threw the car into gear, tires screeching as they sped into the night.
Ava gripped the seat, her breath shaky.
Are they still following us?
Noah's jaw was tight, his knuckles white against the steering wheel.
They will be.
Ava turned to look out the window, searching for shadows in the distance. Nothing yet.
She exhaled, trying to steady herself.
This isn't over, is it?
Noah didn't answer right away.
No. It's just beginning.