The dense trees closed in around them, branches clawing at their clothes as Leila, Ethan, and Lily pushed deeper into the forest. The gunfire had faded into the distance, but Leila’s heart pounded in her chest, each beat a reminder of how close they’d come to death. Were Daniel and Ethan’s plan going to work?
Ethan took the lead, his steps careful but swift, his eyes scanning the path ahead for any sign of danger. Leila followed closely behind, her mind racing as she replayed the attack in her head. They’d survived this time, but for how much longer? Every time she thought they had a moment to breathe, Marcus’s men seemed to find them again, like hounds chasing their prey.
Lily stumbled behind her, out of breath, her face pale in the dim moonlight. “How much farther do we have to go?” sh
