The forest closed in around them like a living thing, its dark canopy blotting out the moon and casting long shadows across their path. The world was reduced to a series of hurried breaths and the sound of their feet crunching against the underbrush. Luc led the way, his eyes sharp, always on the lookout for any sign of danger, while Sophie and Élodie followed, with Vincent's unconscious body between them.
Every so often, Luc would stop, listening intently for the sound of approaching footsteps. When he did, the others would freeze, barely daring to breathe, knowing that a single noise could give them away. Time stretched thin as they moved deeper into the woods, the soldiers' pursuit a constant threat on their heels.
Élodie's mind raced. How had it come to this? How had they gone from planning a quiet escape to being chased through the woods, hunted like animals? Every step seemed to take them further away from any chance of safety, further away from the life they had once hoped to build.
But there was no time to dwell on those thoughts now. The only thing that mattered was survival.
Luc held up a hand, signaling them to stop. They crouched low, their backs pressed against the trees as they waited. The sounds of their pursuers were growing closer, and Élodie could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. The soldiers were searching the woods, their voices rising as they spread out, calling to each other.
Élodie's heart pounded in her chest, the urgency of their situation pressing down on her. She looked at Vincent, whose head lolled to the side, his feverish breathing the only indication that he was still alive. Her fingers brushed his forehead, trying to reassure herself that he was still with them.
"We can't keep going like this," Sophie whispered, her voice strained. "We're being hunted, and there's nowhere to hide for long."
Luc didn't respond immediately, his eyes scanning the area ahead. "We need to find a place to regroup. A defensible position," he said after a moment, his voice low but firm. "Somewhere we can think of our next move."
Sophie shook her head, her voice tight with frustration. "There's no time for that. They'll find us before we even have a chance."
Luc's jaw clenched, but he didn't argue. He knew Sophie was right. The longer they stayed in the open, the more likely they were to be caught. And if they were caught, the consequences would be dire.
"We move in smaller groups," Luc finally said, his gaze shifting between Sophie and Élodie. "Élodie, you stay with Vincent. I'll take Sophie and make sure we're not being followed."
Élodie nodded, though every instinct in her screamed to stay close to Luc. He had always been the leader, the one who made the decisions. But now, it was her turn to protect Vincent.
"I can handle this," she said quietly, her voice filled with determination. "Just make sure you're both safe."
Sophie met her gaze, then nodded once, her expression grim but resolute. "Stay hidden. We'll come back for you."
Luc gave them both one last glance before disappearing into the shadows, his movements quick and silent, like a ghost in the night.
Élodie crouched beside Vincent, trying to steady her breath. Every passing second felt like an eternity, the weight of their circumstances pressing down on her. She could feel the world closing in around them, and the fear of what might come next clawed at her insides. But she wouldn't—couldn't—give in to it. Not now. Not when Vincent needed her more than ever.
They had come too far to turn back.