Shattered

My heart sank, and my blood ran cold as Russo's voice sliced through the night air, its sinister tone making my skin crawl. Ava's hand tightened around mine, her grip almost painful as we both froze, our bodies paralyzed with fear.

"You think you can escape?" He taunted, the words dripping with malice. "You think you can really escape from me?" I swallowed hard, my throat dry with fear. We had to move, had to get away, but my legs seemed rooted to the spot. Ava's hand was my only anchor to reality, and I held onto it for dear life.

Russo's laughter cut through the air, a bitter, mirthless sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Go on run! Run damsels! I love the chase, anyway. I've been playing a game with you, Ivory. A game of cat and mouse. And now, it's time for the final act."

I felt Ava's grip on my hand tighten, her eyes fixed on some point behind me. I tried to turn, but my legs seemed rooted to the spot. Finally, I forced myself to move, my heart heavy with fear. I turned,