Chapter 45

"Hey! Watch where you're going!"

I weakly apologized to the woman, urging my legs to move. My throat felt scratchy and dry, I was depleted. I looked over my shoulder but the crowd made it impossible to see anything. Countless people were flocking the streets, my shoulders bumping into different people.

I couldn't run further. I needed to rest.

I looked behind again, and I saw them this time. Carlos was gaining in fast with blue eyes only a few paces ahead. My heart jumped to my throat, and I raced forward,

The back of my legs protested, and a sharp pain in my ribs stunned me. I pushed at the people clustering around me. I felt suffocated, my chest heaving with each strained breath.

I had to escape. I couldn't let them catch me.

My legs slowed down, and I had to drag my feet against the asphalt. People cast me curious looks, eyeing me like I was a dangerous animal that was let loose.

I knew I was a mess, my hair was all over the place. I was sure there was blood caked on my face, I w