Elena had thought it could run out.
That can overcome the devil itself.
Was wrong.
The rain started to fall significantly as he traversed dark roads, and in Ventiment of New York, his white knuckles gripped the wheel. Their breath came in short gasps, their hearts pounding in their chests. She didn't know where she was going.
All she knew was that she couldn't stop.
But at the end of his mind, she knew - he was coming for her.
And when he did, there was no escape.
***
Alexander Blackwood found Eve in Mansaon, his clothes soaking in the rain, a shadowy face. The keys to his car were liberated from his fingers.
While he was pursued by his camp, something had broken.
He had run away from him.
He had left him.
The woman he wanted - whether he wanted her or not - had tried to disappear. And that was unacceptable.
He had reached for his phone, tightening his jaw. "Find her. I want every camera on the street, every door with fees. It is all under control. She cannot be allowed to escape."
His head tilted to the stormy sky, a normal smile playing on his lips. "Run, my love."
His voice was a whisper against the wind.
"But I will always find you."
A place of temporary holiness.
Elena had finally ceased when the city lights faded out.
She stopped at an abandoned service station, gripping the wheel tightly with her fingers.
The storm had come and gone quickly, leaving behind a faded sound in her ears.
He had done it. Error 500 (Server Error)!!1500. That's an error. There was an error. Please try again later. That's all we know. Error 500 (Server Error)!!1500. That's an error. There was an error. Please try again later. That's all we know. Their hands trembled.
A missed call.
A message.
It was.
"Do you think you can hide from me, little one?" The whole body of Elena had turned to ice.
She had already known.
Panic coursed through her veins.
She threw the phone into the passenger seat, sinking the car deeper.
She had to go further. Faster.
But as she pulled onto the road, blue and red lights lit up in her mirror.
No.
Her stomach twisted as a police car stopped next to her, calling for her to pull over.
No, no, no -
She did not slow down.
Could not. Error 500 (Server Error)!!1500. That's an error. There was an error. Please try again later. That's all we know. Error 500 (Server Error)!!1500. Here's an error. There was an error. Please try again later. That's all we know. It was her.
She had always been his.
And it had been foolish to think she could escape.
*****
Elena's hands shook while closing the doors, shaking her head.
"No," she whispered. "No, I won't go back."
But Alexander slowly took steps toward his car.
The rain intensified, soaking his shirt, which clung to his broad chest.
He seemed like a man who had lost everything.
And he was ready to take it all by force.
He arrived at her door and raised his hand.
And then
-
Slam!
Poor Elena, as Alexander slammed his fist against the window, his face taut with anger.
"Get out."
His voice was low, dangerous.
But she wouldn't. Error 500 (Server Error)!!1500. That's an error. There was an error. Please try again later. That's all we know. The impact had jolted them both.
It was his car.
He had predicted this.
Trapped.
Her spirit was frail as the door opened, and it felt like she was being cooked, the strong feelings trapping her against the car. She was lying down.
She had fought back.
"Let me go!"
But Alexander was relentless.
He pressed against the car, one hand gripping her waist, the other tangling in her hair, wet from the rain.
His voice was a whisper against her ear. "You'll never escape, Elena."
Tears streamed down her face. "I hate you!"
"All right." His lips brushed against her temple, his hot breath against her skin. "At least that means you still feel something for me."
Elena calmed.
Her heart cracked.
And she realized...
She had lost.