Juliette’s POV
The night air was thick, damp with the remnants of the storm. I pressed myself against the cold brick wall of the alley, heart hammering so violently it felt like it might break my ribs. Every sound—the distant hum of traffic, the drip of water from a rusted fire escape, even my own ragged breathing—was amplified, echoing like a warning. I had no idea how long I had been running, only that the adrenaline kept my legs moving and my mind razor-sharp.
Bryan’s voice had been in my ears moments ago, commanding, protective: “Stay close. Don’t make a sound.” And yet, I had slipped. One misstep, one moment of hesitation, and the figure from the arena had almost caught me. Almost—but not quite. That alone made the blood in my veins sing with terror and relief.
I pressed my back fu
