Bound by Shadows

16

I acted swiftly in his command, ducking down just as the sound of gunfire erupted. Bullets pierced through the windshield, shattering the glass into a shower of shards, and I couldn't help but scream in terror. The gunshots just wouldn't stop, like they were coming from rifles, and they seemed to surround us.

We were fucking cornered by these people, it was like they had planned this ambush all along.

Caelus's strong hands pressed me down, I clung to his presence amidst the chaos. In a swift motion, he reached across me, popping open the glove compartment to retrieve a gun, his movements quick.

With the forest flanking us on either side, probably harboring those armed men too, there was nowhere to flee.

Sensing his hand on my seatbelt, granting freedom of movement, I stole a glance at him. Our eyes connected briefly before he undid his own restraint, "There are around five people firing," he said in between the shots fired. "I know you're scared but I need you to stay calm, and focus."

"This is madness, Caelus! We're going to die!"

His hand squeezed mine, "I'm getting us out of here alive," it wasn't just words he spurted out. It was a promise. His piercing gaze stole one last look around the area before another shot whizzed past his head. I screamed again but only got another squeeze of his hand. "When I count to three, I want you to open the door, and run to the woods."

Tears filled my vision as I shook my head, "No! Hell no! Shit! I can't!"

"You can!" He snapped, actually believing I could. "Do it, you understand me?!" His brows knitted, eyes pleading making me take my breath and nod.

"One," he counted, as I prepared myself.

"Two," he scanned the surroundings, taking cover when needed.

The gunfire continued, but during the moment of silence for them to reload, Caelus shifted into reverse, urging us backward with a press of the gas pedal—

"Three!" He slammed on the brakes, rising to return fire as I dashed out of the car, heading for the safety of the woods.

The rain poured down heavily, drenching me as I navigated through the trees, crouching whenever shots rang out, using the foliage as cover.

Glancing back as I ran, I saw Caelus catching up.

We raced through the woods, our strides quickened by the sense of being hunted. The rifle shots echoed behind us until we went deeper into the forest. I could hear men shouting commands, their voices fading as we pushed forward.

Despite the thunder echoing through the sky, heavy rain pouring down, and the wind raging as if a hurricane approached, I was thankful that this can be taken to our advantage to hide until help comes.

With Caelus finding a secluded spot, we tucked ourselves away, the uneven terrain providing cover at our backs, while the branches of towering trees shielded us from view. Panting heavily, we caught our breath, grateful for the temporary pause of our escape since every breath I took was like ice piercing through my lungs.

"Are you hurt?" Caelus scanned me head to toe as I shook my head.

"No, just... exhausted," I managed between gasps for air. Rummaging through my soaked jeans pocket, I retrieved my phone, relieved to find it still functional.

Offering a silent prayer, I opened it and texted Zavian, requesting backup, sharing our location. Knowing the risks of being caught, I refrained from making a call.

"I've called for help," I informed Caelus, my voice tense with urgency. "How far are we from the house?"

Caelus, looking unnaturally pale, his face drained of color, responded with a strained voice, "About an hour away. But they might arrive sooner since—" He winced suddenly, his hand pressing against his right shoulder.