Isabella’s POV
The flashlights swung wildly through the trees, their beams bouncing as Erica’s men closed in. My legs burned as I sprinted after Alex and Steve, the cold night air stinging my lungs. Every crack of a branch or rustle of leaves behind us felt like an enemy drawing closer.
“They’re gaining!” I gasped, my voice trembling with panic.
“Keep moving!” Alex shouted over his shoulder, his injured shoulder visibly slowing him down.
Steve grabbed my arm, half pulling me along as we plunged deeper into the forest. The shadows of the towering trees loomed above us, disorienting and endless.
“We need to split up!” Steve yelled, his voice strained.
“No!” Alex barked. “Stay together!”
But before the argument could continue, a shot rang out, slicing through the air and embedding itse
