Thirty Two

We finally broke free from the thick trees, stepping out onto a dirt road that would eventually lead us back to the city. The forest had been our hiding place for what felt like forever, but now, as the city’s skyline loomed in the distance, all I felt was relief. The glow of the streetlights and the faint hum of traffic were a reminder of the world we left behind days ago.

“We made it,” Arthur said, his voice strained with exhaustion. His hand was still gripping mine tightly, like he was afraid to let go. It had been our lifeline during this whole nightmare, and right now, it was the only thing keeping me from collapsing.

I gave him a small nod, too tired to speak. My legs ached, and my feet throbbed in my sneakers. The past few days had been a blur of running and hiding from Vladimir’s assassins. They had been on our trail nonstop, hunting us like animals.

But somehow, we had survived.

Arthur glanced at me, concern written all over his face. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine,”