The Obsidian Vault's command center erupted in flames behind them.
Axel ran through the snow, his lungs burning, his legs screaming. Vera's operatives were everywhere, their shots ringing out in the frozen night. They had escaped the facility, but the hunt was far from over.
"They're still coming!" Sable shouted, her voice strained. "We can't outrun them!"
"We don't have to outrun them," Axel said. "We just have to reach the tree line."
They plunged into the forest, the darkness swallowing them whole. The operatives followed, their flashlights cutting through the gloom.
"Split up!" Axel shouted. "We'll meet at the rendezvous point!"
They scattered, each member disappearing into the trees. Axel ran, his heart pounding, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The operatives were close, too
