Chapter 59

The darkened sky was thick with tension as Erica and Julian made their way down the dirt path leading out of the forest. The air around them was sharp and cold, but neither seemed to notice. The weight of what they had just learned hung over them, propelling them forward, toward the inevitable confrontation with Ophelia.

"We need to hit the safe house before she does," Julian said, his voice steady but edged with urgency. "If the documents are there, it's our best chance to stop her."

Erica nodded, her thoughts racing ahead. They had been playing catch-up with Ophelia for too long, always reacting to her moves. But this time, they had an advantage. If they could get to the safe house and secure the documents, they could turn the tables on her once and for all.

Julian’s hand brushed hers briefly as they walked, a silent gesture of solidarity. His touch was grounding, calming the storm of emotions that had been swirling inside her since their encounter with the man in the woods. There w