The footsteps were coming closer now, creating an echo that ran shivers up Emily's spine. She pressed herself harder to the cold brick wall of the alley, trying to catch her breath as her heart was pounding away in her chest. Beside her, Alex stood, locked upon the narrow opening at the far end of the alley, poised to react.
"Do you think he saw us?" Emily whispered, trembling.
"I don't know," Alex stated, his tension palpable. "But we cannot stay here. If Victor is looking for us, it's time for us to decide where to go next."
The footsteps were growing louder now, and Emily's breast tightened with anxiety. She could picture Victor's self-satisfied expression, full of malice and grim resolve. He would not stop until he got them.
"What if he has someone with him?" Emily went on.
"Then
