The roar of engines echoed through the forest.
Closer.
Closer than before.
They weren't searching anymore.
They had found us.
Branches whipped against my face as we tore through the darkness. Every breath burned my lungs. Every step sent pain shooting through my ribs. Beside me, Elara struggled to support Echo's weight while I carried most of it. Blood dripped from Echo's side, leaving a dark trail across the forest floor.
She was fading.
I could feel it.
"Leave me..." Echo's voice came out as little more than a whisper. "Please... just leave me."
"No." Elara tightened her grip around her. "Don't even think about it."
Echo gave a weak laugh that turned into a painful cough.
"You two are impossible."
"We learned from the best," I muttered.
For a brief second, I thought I saw a
