The Escape
The cold keycard pressed against my palm felt heavier than it should—like a promise and a burden combined. Olivia's face was set with determination, but beneath it, I sensed fear. She knew the cost of betrayal, and by helping me, she had crossed a line she could never return from.
"I owe you," I whispered, gripping the keycard tightly.
"Don't thank me yet," Olivia replied, glancing toward the door. "There's a back exit through the loading dock. Use this to get past the security doors. Go fast, and don't look back."
I hesitated for only a breath. I wanted to tell her to come with me—to leave this twisted world behind—but I knew better. She had chosen her path, and right now, mine was survival. Exposing the Shadows was the only way to ensure no one else suffered like I had.
With a quick nod, I slipped out of the cell, my heart pounding so loudly it echoed in my ears. The hallway stretched out before me, dim and silent except for the distant hum of machinery. Every step felt like it might be my last.
I swiped the keycard at the first security door. A faint beep, and the lock clicked open. My pulse quickened—one obstacle down, but there would be more.
The tension grew as I crept through the facility. Shadows clung to the corners, each one threatening to reveal a hidden guard or worse—Victor himself. I could still hear his voice, cold and venomous, reminding me that no one could escape the Shadows. But I would. I had to.
I reached the final door leading to the loading dock. My fingers trembled as I slid the keycard through the reader. A breathless second passed. Another beep. The door hissed open.
Freedom was within reach.
I slipped outside, the sharp night air cutting through my skin. The faint sound of engines and distant voices made me freeze—security wasn't far. I ducked behind a stack of crates, scanning for a clear path. A guard stood near the main gate, smoking lazily, his rifle slung over his shoulder.
I need a distraction.
The thought barely formed before a distant alarm blared to life inside the building. My stomach twisted—Olivia. She was buying me time.
I bolted toward the gate, every muscle screaming for speed. My lungs burned as I reached the perimeter fence. Climbing wasn't an option—I needed out now. My fingers fumbled with the latch.
"Hey!" The guard's shout cut through the night.
I didn't stop. The latch clicked open, and I shoved the gate wide, sprinting into the darkness. Footsteps thundered behind me. A shot cracked the air.
My breath came in short gasps, but I didn't look back. The evidence in my pocket was my only weapon, and I was determined to use it. The truth was coming for Victor and the Shadows—and nothing could stop it now.
As the city lights came into view, I knew one thing for certain.
I wasn't running anymore—I was fighting back.