They stumbled through the dense forest, their breaths ragged.
The mafia's reinforcements arrived faster than expected.
"Look out!"
The night wind whipped Sophia's long hair across Ethan's face.
Ethan's pupils constricted. He yanked Sophia into his arms.
They rolled behind the massive trunk of an ancient tree.
A bullet embedded itself deep into the bark.
The approaching footsteps of their pursuers grew louder.
Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting fractured shadows.
Bushes and trees provided natural cover.
The hunters hesitated, scanning the area cautiously.
"Search thoroughly," a red-haired man commanded coldly. "Damien's team is dead. Those two can't have gone far."
Sophia held her breath.
Ethan's arm remained steady around her.
The footsteps drew nearer.
The salty tang of seawater lingered in the air.
"The coast isn't far," Sophia whispered. "There's a boat there. It could buy us time until the police arrive."
But the path to the shore was blocked by mafia members.
The remaining hunters continued combing through the woods.
If they didn't take the risk, discovery was inevitable.
Ethan nodded.
"I'll draw them away," he said without hesitation. "You handle the guards at the shore. I'll buy you time."
Sophia frowned.
"Wait for me," she said.
She didn't hesitate, moving swiftly into action.
To Sophia, dramatic declarations like "I'd rather die with you" were meaningless.
Their only chance now was to gamble.
Sophia gave a sharp nod before melting into the moonlight.
Ethan watched her retreating figure.
He didn't find her cold—instead, he was captivated once more.
He knew Sophia always kept her word.
In life-or-death situations, they shared an unspoken understanding and trust.
Ethan stood and coughed loudly.
"The person you're looking for is right here."
His voice cut through the silent forest.
Footsteps rushed toward him from all directions.
Ethan raised his hands, his expression calm.
He, too, was gambling on an outcome.
——
By the shore, a short red-haired man tossed his cigarette aside impatiently.
He sneezed and tightened his leather jacket.
"Damien and his useless men couldn't even handle one woman. Serves them right for dying!"
Another man grumbled in agreement. "They took all the credit but left us with the dirty work, freezing out here."
Just then, rustling came from the trees.
"Who's there? Show yourself!"
The red-haired man spun around, but the forest remained still.
Shaking off his paranoia, he turned back—
Only to freeze at the sight of a slender figure.
A woman stood silhouetted against the moonlight, her curls cascading down her back. Bloodstained heels clicked against the ground.
Her clothes fluttered like a specter in the wind.
"Over here! She's—"
Before he could finish, she struck like lightning.
A sickening crack—his neck snapped.
Her movements were precise, rivaling a professional assassin.
The others raised their guns.
"Don't move!"